Tag Archives: Paris

L.A. WITCH: DOGGOD.

Posted on by

There are a handful of bands that I’ve written about over the past (18) few years that have really stuck with me, and I can remember listening to their music for the first time. I can probably remember what I was wearing and where I was. Can I remember what I did last week? Not a chance. I’ve been writing about L.A. Witch since 2012, and every release feels like I’m discovering them for the first time all over again. That’s when you know a band is truly out of this world.

L.A. Witch are releasing their 3rd full length record on Friday, and I’ve been listening to my copy since January. Every listen is better than the last, and this feels like the record they were always going to make. It’s a masterpiece, but that’s to be expected from them. They’re one of the best bands of our generation. They remind me of all the old bands I love from The Gun Club to The Cramps, but also remind me of something we’ve not heard yet. Something undiscovered and nameless. The new record, DOGGOD was recorded in Paris and you can hear the influence of the city on this record. If you’ve listened to their previous work you’ll have picked up on an L.A. feel to their sound but there’s something heavier and darker here. That’s probably why I love it so much. It’s a beautifully intense record right from the start. It’s the band at their very best.

The record opens with the new single, Icicle. If you’re after dark and romantic lyrics- this is the record for you. The words are poetry and really heavy, but don’t let that deter you in any way. What the band musically add to these dark lyrics is something beyond words and anything I could ever write down. I’ve written about them so much over the past 10 years, and every single time I am in awe of how brilliant they are. Sade is one of the best guitarists ever, Irita makes the bass look easy and Ellie just destroys the drums. Put this together, and you’ve truly got one of the best bands around.

There are many gentle moments on the record but for me it’s the 6-minute delight that’s I Hunt You Prey that’s captured my heart the most. Songs over 6 minutes are my weakness sometimes, and they’ve done something truly magical here. There’s a haunting vulnerability to Sade’s voice on this one, and you can really feel the weight of it all. The bass on this is one of the best moments, and is honestly one of the best songs they’ve ever written. It’s unlike anything else they’ve ever done, and even Sade’s vocals sound different here. If I was played this and without knowing it was L.A. Witch, I honestly wouldn’t have been able to tell it was them. It’s so different in the best way possible. I now want them to do a record of 6-minute masterpieces like this. I can’t drive, but it makes me want to take a long drive. It’s got that urgency to it, and that’s their sound all over. I think I’ve mentioned it about their music before, but L.A. Witch make the kind of music that makes you feel you are riding a motorbike on the open road and out into the unknown. It makes you feel untouchable and rebellious.

The whole record oozes devotion, love and romanticism- but it’s not done in a sickly way that makes you feel utterly nauseas. They do it in a way that’s relatable; and it’s the intenseness that keeps you doing back and causing you to relate to so much on the record. Eyes Of Love has this slick and hypnotic groove to it that makes you hit the repeat button several times. There are no fillers on this record, everything is where it deserves to be. I firmly advise listening to this record through headphones and letting every tiny detail on the songs gently trickle into your ears. Let the record consume you; it’s the only way. DOGGOD at times feels like a spiritual record, and I think that’s what makes it so easy to love and see yourself in. Like I said earlier, this is the record they were destined to make.

DOGGOD is one of those records that in a few years’ time, you’ll go back to and there’ll be certain songs you head for first instead of playing it in order. For me, I think the song I’d go for would be The Lines or Kiss Me Deep. The Lines sounds like it would fit perfectly on Play With Fire, but there’s this really big sound to it and honestly? This would be one of the songs I’d play to someone if I wanted to convince them that L.A. Witch are one of the best bands around. If this wouldn’t win someone over, what hope do we have?! I love how the tender moments on the record (Lost At Sea) go right into that loud sound of theirs I love so much (DOGGOD.) It just shows how super talented they are, and how unafraid they are to play with different sounds and to make something really phenomenal.

L.A. Witch have pushed themselves with this record, and that’s evident right from the start until the end. This is a band that have taken the time to make a record that they can yet again be so proud of. For me they are like bands such as The Cure and The Cramps- every record is better than the last. Everything they do is just beautiful and perfect. Their last release was 5 years ago (Play With Fire still feels so new to me!) and you can really hear the growth on DOGGOD. They’ll never make a bad record, ever. That I’m so sure of.

The devotion on the songs is the epitome of love and loving someone so unapologetically hard (as someone who is very aware of their feelings, this may only be the way I feel to love someone and it can be a pain!) Of course, there’s an unhealthy amount of submission in the songs but there’s so much to really treasure on this record. The honesty and openness in the lyrics for me, is what stands out. Everything else just follows perfectly after. I feel that DOGGOD is one of those records that if I came back to it in a few years, I’d write differently about it because over time the songs would take on different meaning and carry a different kind of weight. In short, it’s a powerful record and if I made lists- it’d be my record of the year. No questions.

DOGGOD is out this Friday (4th April) via Suicide Squeeze Records.

HOORSEES: Big.

Posted on by

Record number 3 by the finest Parisian band is finally here. Big by Hoorsees was released Friday just gone, and it is one of those records that just makes you instantly feel good. Their previous releases have done exactly the same, and record number 3 somehow has a grander feel to it; you can really hear the progress and passion on this record. It may only be the start of the year but this record has the potential to be the soundtrack to the Summer.

The record opens with the blissful Movie’s Architecture; a 5 minute breakdown into the minds of Hoorsees, and it seems like a safe place to be. It’s the kind of song that would fit perfectly at any point of the record, and it is just the most divine way to start the record. Hoorsees are a band that are so easy to love. If this is your first time listening to them, then Big is a beautiful record to start with. Or, you can go back and play it in order- whichever way you choose to listen, all you need to do is sit back and close your eyes and let the band take you on the purest journey imaginable.

What I adore about this band is that you cannot liken them to anyone else. I fell in love with Alexin’s voice when I first heard his previous band Dr Chan a few years ago- I loved his style and the roughness to his vocals. His vocals with Hoorsees are much more delicate, and captures you in a different way. There is something so therapeutic about this band, and a large part of it for me is the vocals and lyrics. The sound they have is nothing short of perfect, and the way they have grown with their sound in just 3 records is exceptional.

I cannot drive (thank god) but the song Artschool makes you want to take a road trip and play this full blast; that’s the general feel of this record- a way of escaping for a while and just being absolutely fine with being by yourself. Artschool feels like it might be the anthem of the record- the one where fans scream this song back to the band the loudest. Every song makes you feel that way on this record, but there is something about this one that has a slightly stronger grip. Indie kids will eat this one right up.

Every song on this record is easy to relate to and treasure. From the relaxed sounds of New Career to Charming City Life; this record is Hoorsees at their finest. They’ve got better and better with each release, and it just makes them one of the most exciting bands around. Big is such a joy to listen to, and honestly if everything feels a bit overwhelming at the moment- take some time out for yourself, and play this record. It’ll calm your mind for a little while and will give you what you need and deserve. Alexin and  Zoé’s vocals work so well together- both have this gentle tone that just makes you feel so calm- you cannot help but take it all in.

At the moment, I’m calling No Vacation as my favourite but I’ll change my mind many times as I listen to the record more and more. I love the simplicity of it, and I love the vulnerability in the lyrics. That’s another thing I adore about the band- the lyrics are so honest that you cannot help but feel and really connect with every word. This is also the kind of record you play as dusk starts kicking in, and you feel this wave of peace takeover- it is just a gorgeous record in every way.

This is Hoorsees at their finest, and I feel with every record they release they will just keep getting better and better. I really hope that this record gives them the opportunity to tour the UK because everyone needs to really experience how wonderfully talented the band are.

HOORSEES: A Superior Athlete

Posted on by

I am SO excited to write about the new record by the finest band in Paris; Hoorsees. Their second record, A Superior Athlete comes out on the 22nd April via Kanine Records and if you’re looking for a record that is going to play a vital role in the music you listen to during the summer- then this is the one for you.

I really enjoyed writing about their debut record last year, and it’s still a record I love listening to. There is something really gentle about this band and their sound. They have a sound so precious and unique to theirs, and there’s no one else out there who sounds even remotely like them- and that’s what lures you in and keeps you there.

The record opens with the beautifully relaxing, Week-End At Bernie’s and it is such a soothing song. It’s the perfect opener to the record and really sets the mood for the record. Alex’s vocals on this really have you hooked, and what is so easy to love about this band is that they have a lot of soul in their sound. They make you feel like you’re on holiday or they make you feel like you need to just sack off every responsibility you have, and just enjoy this record. The first song really does grab you and before you know it, you’ve fallen deep into the world they’ve created on this record. That’s just with one song! The gorgeous and oddball lyrics hit you right again on the song Cream & Onion (I don’t know why this title makes me feel a bit like I’m going to puke, but the song does the opposite!) This song feels like the sun hitting you on your back as you spend the day lazily wandering round. Again, that’s just something I love about this band- they make you feel completely fine with doing nothing at all!

Around this time of year bands will contend to make a record that rules your summer. I think it’s safe to say that Hoorsees may have beaten them all on this one. There’s innocence to the lyrics that go beautifully with the slight dream-pop/shoegaze sounds. It is a gentle record, and shows us exactly why they are one of the most exciting bands around. Songs like Jansport and Drama Kings will be stuck in your head for days- you’ll be humming the song constantly. There’s no better song to have stuck in your head. With so much shit going on in the world, a band like Hoorsees are here to just lighten the burden of it all for a little while.

I love the heaviness on Memory’s Knife towards the end of it; it fits so well with the gentle tones of it. I just think with this record, they have showed us exactly why they are one of the most exciting bands around and how fearless they are with their sound. This record was written in two weeks, and for some that may be way too rushed but what I hear on this record is a band that are so sure of their sound and know exactly what they want to create. The band left the city and stayed at Alex’s grandmother’s house, and maybe that’s part of why the record sounds so care-free and light. You can play this record, and everything just feels okay you know? It’s that reassurance you need and it’s that friend you need to just hang out with and do nothing with. They are also a band that aren’t afraid to talk about the frustrations of daily life and how restless we become through boredom. I don’t even know if it’s boredom. Maybe it’s a touch of frustration that we can never shake. Either way, Hoorsees have created something truly beautiful with this record.

A Superior Athlete is everything you could want from the record of the summer, and so much more. You;ll play this on the coldest day in December, and it’ll take you back to warmer times. It is a comforting record and one that really does show us what Hoorsees are made of and why they are one of the most exciting bands around. It’s a divine record from start to finish.

A Superior Athlete is out this Friday (22nd April) via Kanine Records

HOORSEES: Hoorsees.

Posted on by

After waiting for what seemed an eternity, the debut record by Paris’ finest Hoorsees is finally here. We probably all need something right now to make us feel better and to zone out to, and they have truly created something beautiful with their debut record.

Their debut record came out on Friday just gone, and these 9 songs were made for you to waste your days to. This is the record you play whilst taking a solo road trip to or just hanging out by yourself and letting everything just pass you by. You can let it happen in slow motion or real time, and this is truly brought to life on the opener, Overdry. The record has hints of Shoegaze- there’s that beautiful dreamy sound that just speaks to your soul, and it makes you feel so soothed and at ease. It is such a gorgeous record. It makes you want to ditch everything, and escape to Paris and befriend the band. Sounds ideal, right? I love Alexin’s vocals and they are so distinctive. There’s no one else around with his style. I love how with his other band Dr Chan he had this really distorted and rowdy feel to his vocals, but with Hoorsees he’s showing us another side. Basically, he’s a great singer. Hoorsees are such a great band, and the wait was really worth it for this record.

Every song on this record feels like the sun on your bones- you need it and it is so comforting. Pitfall lyrically oozes some sadness, but the song is such a gorgeous listen. It is a really delicate record, and it just makes you want to laze about and forget everything on the outside. I love how the songs express disdain at times (Fuckhead is a prime example) but they are done in such a calming way. Soaking up this record over the past few days has made me really appreciate everything on this record. Of course, the vocals and lyrics are wonderful. But we need to appreciate everything else that is going on here- the production is so good. The drums feel like waves crashing and the guitar and bass feel like daydream that you don’t want to snap out of.

I’ve listened to the record a number of times, and I keep going back to Fuckhead and Instant Tea. I just think that this is such a beautifully put together record and was truly worth the wait. You know when you hear a record for the first time, and it just blows you away? It can be a record from last week or from 60 years ago, and you feel like you’ve had it with you all your life? That’s what you get from the Hoorsees record. It just makes you feel so good and you can’t help but feel happy when you listen to it.  I know I’m being biased because I just love this band a hell of a lot (and I only write about what I like) but honestly, there is something about this record that just makes everything feel okay. I know that if I’m having a bad day, I can play Major League or Get Tired, and I’ll feel a bit better. Music is such a vital part of life, and I love that Hoorsees have really captured that on this record. Imagine wandering through Paris playing this record. I don’t mean the touristy spots- I mean the places that no one else knows or may shy away from. You wander and maybe you get lost, but there’s something about this record that will guide you to where you need to be.

Hoorsees have really made something so charming here, and it’s the kind of record you just never get tired of. You can get lost in this record; you can find the things you need in this record. It’s just a sheer joy to listen to and it really does electrify the soul with every listen.

DEEDEE & THE ABRACADABRAS: Self-Titled.

Posted on by

Block out the noise of the world and whatever is plaguing your head by listening to the new DeeDee & The Abracadabras record. It’s a real gem of a Garage Punk record- the speed of it, the sheer adrenaline pumping through every single song will send shocks right through you. It’s a mammoth of a record, and one to surely become obsessed with.

Their debut record comes out next Friday, and trust me- these 9 songs will destroy you in the best way possible. These songs were made to be performed live, but seeing as that dream has been killed for the year and god knows how long for, all we can do is play these songs loud and often. Scream the words when you’re alone because you just have to get this frustration out. I’ve struggled with wanting to write about music on and off the past few months, but every so often I’ll hear something that changes my mind. There’s a handful of labels that are consistently putting out exceptional records, and Paris based label, Le Cèpe Records are easily one of them. They are home to some effortlessly slick and great records that I love, and they’ve done it again with this debut record. It’s hard to believe it is a debut record because it sounds THAT perfect. It’s impossible to not be obsessed with this record. It has everything you could possibly want from a rowdy Punk record.

There’s only 3 of them in the band, but my god they sound like an orchestra of noise. I’m listening to it through headphones and I can hear every single part of the record just ripple through my eardrums. It’s such a brilliant record from beginning to end, and it is crafted and produced in such a flawless way. Every single song must be played loud enough to deafen you and your neighbours. It’s the only way to play this record. Don’t be a coward- play this beauty LOUD. Go Home reminds me a little of I Just Wanna Have Something To Do by the Ramones. Hopefully when you listen to it, you’ll get what I mean.

There is no point in me trying to tell you which songs are my favourite on this record because every single one is just a raw and brutal delight. All you can do is immerse yourself in songs like I Can’t Understand, Acid and the wonderfully titled Nipples. These 3 songs are the loudest and as the record ends on I Can’t Understand, all you want to do is play the whole thing over and over again. It’s heartbreaking to know we won’t see bands like DeeDee & The Abracadabras tour this year, but this phenomenal debut somewhat softens the blow of not being able to be cramped in a tiny venue that smells of sweat and booze. Those were the days! Oh how I miss them. I’d give anything to go to a show right now.

The record opens with the instrumental Leave Me. This is the ideal introduction to the band as it shows us exactly what they are made of. Tougher than old battered leather boots- this instrumental picks up speed towards the end and just turns into the chaotic mess that you cannot get enough of. Imagine this live! It’s a great opener to the record, and immediately leaves you in awe of the band and what they can do. And what they do is give us their heart and soul on this record. As far as debut records go, this is one to truly treasure. If this is what they can do the first time around, then there is really no telling what else they will give us.

This fast-paced Punk record will have you moving in all sorts of ways and longing to go to a show. But in some respects, the band makes you feel like you are right there at one of their shows. They transport you into this cool and dark world where they wonderfully corrupt you. It’s such a great record, and I honestly cannot praise it enough. What they have done with this record is something to cling to and form some ritualistic  bond with. You won’t be able to live without this record!

The record will be out next Friday (9th October.) Buy it and play it loud.

DUSTY MUSH: Rainbow Creatures EP.

Posted on by

 

dustymush

 

Right out of nowhere we have a brand-new Dusty Mush EP! Totally unexpected but definitely needed. I’ve written about this Parisian band before, well I think it’s just Cédric on this, but irrespective of band members- this is one heavy EP.

 Everything about Dusty Mush demands your attention, and the Rainbow Creatures EP is no exception. It’s like a sped-up version of Sleep or some wild shit. Cédric is a phenomenal musician, and I always look forward to hearing what he’s up to, and with this EP he most certainly brings back that excitement. Although the EP is only 4 songs long, it’s a great taster for those who have never ever listened to Dusty Mush before.

 Rainbow Creatures doesn’t really last 10 minutes but you know how it goes- you just keep on hitting the repeat button and wait for the magic to hit you between the eyes all over again. I love The Fog and how unapologetically rowdy it is. For some it could be an uncomfortable listen, but for me it just shows us how fantastic Mr. Bottacchi is! The guy is out of this world, and I think The Fog just may be his best work to date.

 

 

 

Dusty Mush is the epitome of experimental and all that good stuff. There is glorious sound going all the way through these 4 songs, and it just makes you want to lock yourself away for a little whilst and blast these gems out. They really are meant to fuck with your head and posses your body; I’m all for it. Poison Oak is the only instrumental number on the EP, and it shows us how great a musician Cédric is. It’s a great way to close the EP but as you know, it just leaves you wanting more.

 The title track is an absolute monster, and it has this huge sound to it- this almost drone-like feel to it that’s found in the likes of OM and such. It’s got this unfiltered heavy feel, and it just stays with you. The song sounds like it could be some kind of folk tale told to scare people shitless. I love the eerie sound on it, and I love how that creepy feeling is apparent through every song on the record. It is a pleasure to listen. A real treat for the ears.

 Monterey is a quicker number. You can imagine someone fleeing in a getaway car listening to this, and not looking back on what they have done. What I’ve found with this EP is that is could easily be the soundtrack to a film. It’s got that bite to it that could easily make it the soundtrack to some wonderfully messed up film- you know the kind. The kind of film that stays on your mind for days, and every so often you find yourself thinking about it, so you have to watch it again and again. You can’t shake it. That’s exactly what you get from the Rainbow Creatures EP. It’s a work of art, a gnarly masterpiece.

 

 

 

If you’re after something that’s going to take you on some blissed-out psychedelic trip, then you need to get yourself a copy of Rainbow Creatures immediately and let Cédric whisk you off to some place truly magical. The EP has been released via Dirty Slice Records, and only 30 copies of the coloured tapes have been made. You know what to do.

 

 

HOORSEES: Major League of Pain EP.

Posted on by

 

72485793_687130481769554_4211792694512451584_n

 

On Friday 18th October, Parisian band Hoorsees will be releasing their EP, Major League of Pain. This EP is made up of 6 songs to comfort you, make you feel alright with feeling low and providing a form of guidance when everything has gone a bit awry.

They are fronted by DR CHAN front man, Alex. If you’ve ever listened to DR CHAN, you will know that they have a real hyperactive Garage Rock sound. Their music makes you want to jump around and get into some light-hearted trouble. The tone in Alex’s vocals with Hoorsees is totally different; it is more mellow and little somber. It just shows us how brilliant he is. It is a totally different sound. Out of respect- no more comparisons.

The sound that Hoorsees have is one that throws you into a world of heartbreak, and every single step that comes with it. There are different stages, different types of heartbreak and Hoorsees delve into this very well and sensitively. The vulnerability in the lyrics especially on Boyhood and TV & Bad Sports just shows us how exceptional this band is, and how being this open is something to really back. Paris is truly home to some incredible bands, and musicians. Hoorsees are most certainly one of them and the beautiful romanticism in this record is so soothing and just a delight to listen to. It is calming in all the right places but will also break your heart. Infectious is such a beautiful song but my god it will rip you apart. It’s got the innocence of a first love to it, but at the same time you can apply the heartache to anything- it doesn’t have to be from a romantic stance. It’s such a beautiful song, and I love the sheer emotion in Alex’s voice on this. It’s a different side to what he can do vocally, and it is a different side to the band. A side I really hope they never leave because they do it so well.

 

There is a glorious distorted feel to the record, and if you’re a fan of music with a lot of heart and a wealth of emotion; you’ll probably love this record. Aside from their demos up on their Bandcamp page, this is their first proper release. The demos and the Major League of Pain EP are totally different, and in the few years that have passed between them, you can really hear a band that are sure of their sound and know exactly what they want.

 

 

I really love how you can feel that these songs are made to be played live. They carry a lot of emotion in them, and the way the vocals and guitars come together to send you off on this journey into their heartache is something to really appreciate and admire. There is something really special about bands from Paris, and France in general, you know. Hoorsees have this really big romantic feel to their sound and that’s what keeps you being drawn back in with every listen. Of course, you want more, but with just 6 songs they take you into their world and what a world it is. It is music to waste the day to, music to watch the world go by, skate to it, absorb in your surroundings- just soak up this blissed-out record.

I think at the moment for me, it’s all about the last track on the record- Horror Sees. I adore the bass on this, and how the drums give you this wave crashing sense. It’s a laid-back EP from start to finish, and I think this is the most relaxing song on the record. It’s one I’d definitely love to see them do live. I know they’ve got a pretty big tour happening in France so if someone could bring them to the UK, I’d really appreciate it!

These 4 friends truly know how to tug at your heartstrings; they gently take you into their secretive world. This lo-fi sounding record is covered in wonderful pop-like melodies that will stick in your head for days. It is a perfect record to just lose yourself in and kill time in a way that means something to you. It’s a laid-back EP with songs to just fit your mood; Merry Grime is the perfect song to capture this. Play this one loud and often.

 If you are lucky enough to live in France, then I urge you to go see them on tour and let me know all about it!

Tour dates are in the poster below:

tourdates

Major League of Pain is released this Friday via Crème Brulée and In Silico Records.

WHACKS: Whatever Man, I Don’t Care!

Posted on by

 

whaks

 

 

Completely late with this one- 3 years late in fact. Better to be late than something profound, I guess. Anyway, it’s worth the wait- trust me. Unless you’ve already heard this record, then you can just be disappointed in how long it took me.

Paris has given us some amazing musicians and bands. One I will always write about is Dr Chan. I love that band so much, but there’s another band from the fine city that have the same fury in their sound and that band is WHACKS. They are loud, chaotic and a real pleasure to listen to. They make you want to waste your days away doing nothing and not feeling bad about it. I have a day off work tomorrow, and I’m not going to feel bad at all for doing nothing.

Their record Whatever Man, I Don’t Care! came out in 2016, and it is such a great record. It’s got everything you’d want from a modern Punk/Garage Rock band. They’ve got the same energy as bands like The Chats and Skegss. They make you feel like you’re front row at the most chaotic show imaginable. It is such a great feeling, and WHACKS are such a brilliant band. I have no idea what they are up to or if they are still making music (I really hope they are) but what they’ve done on this record is something that just makes you want more and more. There’s only so many times you can play something on a loop before you think, “I need more right now and something different.” WHACKS have such a strong sound that makes you wish you could create something this tight and ferocious.  I love their song Agitated, I love how hyperactive it sounds and how you feel a bit twitchy listening to this with the burning desire to head out and do something. You cannot sit still to this record, and that’s part of the charm of WHACKS.

 

 

 

WHACKS have thoroughly perfected a sound on this record that is entirely theirs, and you cannot help but fall in love with it. It sounds like all the bands you love, but at the same time they take you off into a totally different direction. You feel like you’re wandering the streets of Paris looking for things to do or just hanging out at a skatepark watching the world go by. This is a record to play as loud as you want, and as often as you can. It is such a relatable record- for those of us who are a bit self-deprecating or whatever, this record will get you in the gut. There is so much to love on this record. You cannot help but be taken by the vocals, but the drums and guitars are like this rambunctious force that cannot keep you still at all. It’s such a rowdy record that you just must play super loud. Their sound is heavy and a bit like Nirvana meets the Beastie Boys in a way; and that’s a pretty solid sound to have. I think the record closer, Hello evokes this the most. It’s a great closer and one to play when you’re a bit pissed off at the world or whatever. There’s angst on this record that is so well put across, and I think Hello is the song that really gets this across the most.

 Sugar is the one you need to keep on playing, and to shout the words back. Can someone bring this band to the UK because they are a band that will put on an excellent live show for sure. If you’re looking for a band to spill your drink to and jump along with- this is the band for you. WHACKS are everything you want from a band who aren’t afraid to just scream their lungs out and play as if their lives depend on it. Sugar has so much going on and it is probably my favourite on the record (for now. I will change my mind because it is such a great record!) There is something special about WHACKS. They’re like a Garage Rock version of the Beastie Boys- basically, they’ve got that rebellious streak that just makes you want to cause a bit of trouble. I think this is more apparent on Step Up, Stand Out. It feels like an anthem for the lost ones who just have no idea what to do but are happy to kill time doing nothing.

 

 

 The more I listen to this record, the more I want to hear from them. Maybe we will get something new from them. Maybe they’ll even come to the UK one day- who knows. All I know is that this record was a joy to listen to, and to play loud enough to drown out the rain hitting the windows this evening.

 

*Photo by: Adèle Colonna Cesari

ISSUE: Cross The Line.

Posted on by

issue cover

 

 

If you’re looking for a band that sound like KRAUT mixed with VOID, then you’ll find it in Paris’s finest Punk band, ISSUE. One of the greatest guitarists of all time are in the band also (Charlie from Crocodiles, of course!) Cross The Line, their debut record, came out on Friday and let me tell you, it’s obnoxiously loud and really cleanses the soul.

Cross The Line is a proper rowdy record. Every single song, all nine of them, will blow your mind and eardrums in 16 quick minutes. The record is over far too soon, but there is no harm in playing it all over again, and again. And again. It’s record to trash shit to, it’s a record to just go completely wild to. It’s everything you want from a raw Punk record. Play it as loud as you can, then try a bit louder. Only a couple of the songs are over the 2 minute mark- how it should be done with this kind of music. The songs are full of this rambunctious energy that makes you want to just play it so loud, and throw shit out of the window. I mean, maybe don’t do that but you get what I mean. They have this ability to make you feel like you are right at their show taking it all in with elbows hitting you in the face and lukewarm beer being thrown about.

 

 

This is definitely one of the most enjoyable and out-there Punk records I’ve heard in a long time, and it just makes you feel like you’re experiencing bands like KRAUT for the first time. As soon as I heard this record, I automatically likened it to An Adjustment To Society by KRAUT (which is one of the greatest records ever made.) The same level of excellence is there, and I can’t get enough of it. By no means am I comparing the bands in a lazy way. I’m just holding them up as highly as each other because they are fucking incredible.

25 and Spit Mask are currently my favourite songs on the record, but my mind does change quite a bit. I’ve found that the record sounds best if you play it in order but the thing is, when you play it in no particular order you still get that “OH SHIT!” feel- like it’s hitting you for the first time. There is so much to love about this record. The production is perfect; the sound is something that’s been well thought out and you can definitely hear how much effort has gone into creating something so powerful. Mirror is a song that is meant to be play a hell of a lot, and definitely at a deafening volume. It’s a record that makes you want to start your own Punk band or just immerse yourself in as much live music as possible.

In terms of touring, I have no idea where they are going but if someone could get them to the UK that would be really much appreciated by me. They definitely have a sound that is made to be heard live. I love how the songs feel like an animal that’s been trapped for years, and is now being released into the wild. It has this brilliant untameable sound that I adore so much. In the best way possible, this record is so chaotic and brutal. I can’t get enough of it, and songs like  I Surrender just annihilate your eardrums in the most perfect way.

 

 

Cross The Line is out now via Third Coming Records; and the record artwork is by Nicky Rat.

DR CHAN: The Peer Hat, Manchester 3rd May 2019.

Posted on by

 

dr chan peer hat 020519

 

It’s obvious how much I love French Garage Rock Gods, Dr Chan. Any chance to write about them or tell someone about them, I’ll do it. You know when you hear something, and you can’t help but think, “Yep, this is the band for me.” Well, that’s what I got from them a couple of years ago when my obsession began.

I last saw Dr Chan live last year in London at the Lock Tavern. It was the last show I attended before I left that city and moved to Manchester. A move that I should have done years and years ago. It was the last show I went to, and it was the perfect way to leave that city. The room was packed and full of love; it was just a brilliant show. Last night, there was no more than 10 of us watching them. I don’t even think it got to double figures. I felt bad for the band because I know just how brilliant they are, and how they are the best at what they do. It didn’t dishearten the band though, they still played as if the room was full.

They blazed through songs from Southside Suicide and Squire. I’m pretty sure that these are my most played records. I love how they just take you somewhere with their music, and give you that opportunity to zone out and forget everything. Yesterday I had a pretty stressful day, but as soon as Dr Chan hit the stage- I was calm again.

I really loved hearing the songs off their most recent record, Squire, last night. Growing Up is probably my favourite off that record and it’s an absolute joy to see live. They play with this effortlessly cool stance, and you can tell how much they love doing it. When you get that from a band, you know that you have found something really beautiful. It’s just an absolute pleasure to watch them.

Dr Chan make the kind of music that I’d want to make. It’s a raw Garage Rock sound, and they are unafraid to really push their sound. For instance, their record Southside Suicide sounds nothing like Squire- but you still know it is them. They have a distinct sound, but aren’t afraid to change it up. They do this so well in their live shows, and as sad as I am that not many of us were there last night, I’m just happy that they played a show here in Manchester. They’re playing the Shacklewell Arms in London tonight I think, and if I still lived there- I’d have been right at the front again.

There’s a handful of bands I love that I would happily go see live every night, and Dr Chan are easily one of them. On record they are brilliant, but something remarkable happens during their live shows. They transform songs like The Sinner and Bloody No$e into something else live, and it’s just a pleasure to watch.

For me, I can easily say that Dr Chan are one of the best bands I’ve seen live and are most certainly one of my favourite bands in general. I love how they can take you to the streets of Paris or make you feel like you’re hanging out at a skatepark. They’ve got something about them that comforts you within the lyrics (this is really apparent on the Squire record) and the music alone just does something to you. Alexin is a great song-writer, and to see the growth into their new record is just astounding.

I can’t tell you enough just how great they are. My only advice is, listen to them and if you see that they are playing a venue near you- go see them!