LP Review: Decibelles - Rock Français (2019) (English)

Decibelles from Lyon are Sabrina, Fanny, and Guillaume. A fistful of snotty Punk Rock, high pitched vocals, loads of musical talent, and plenty of surprises. I witnessed the band on stage last year and I was straight up amazed by the sheer power and force the trio creates. Also they played the greatest version of Indochine's "L'aventurier" of all times, which you really should listen to: Yeux Secs.

Anyway it's 2019 and there's a new album out by Decibelles which they named "Rock Français". Within a beautifully layed out cover layout there's a shiny disc containing ten great tracks lasting a bit more than half an hour. The songs merge into another in an easy manner and show plenty of varieties in style, rhythm, metre, tempo, and mood. Nevertheless Decibelles draw a clear golden line on "Rock Français"; it sure is not a straight line, but that was not to be expected anyways.

It is the mixture of high pitched vocals, rough and fast Punk Rock, unexpected changes in metre or speed, and a shoegazy atmosphere which makes me really happy listening to "Rock Français". The band has provided lots of surprises and little traps for the listeners. The opening track "Noyée dans l'océan" ("drowned in the sea") for example seem to fade out and then unexpectedly returns in a beautiful coda. Another great example are the surprising breaks and shifting patterns in "Qu'est-ce t'as" ("what are you"). Decibelles show in a fantastic way how Punk Rock can be made sophisticated music.

Here and there the new Decibelles' album reminds me of the Japanese Punk Rock band Tsu Shi Mi Ma Re, but apart from that it is hard to find comparatives. They add the atmosphere of early days' Emocore and Screamo to 70s Punk Rock, spice it up with some Shoegaze and serve it with great musical skill.
At least two more points should be mentioned. Bass player Guillaume also has a short vocal part on the record's last song "Je suis seule" ("I am lonely"), and I freaking love the band's feminist attitude. On "Rock Français" they present the latter on the track "J'aime mon clito" ("I love my clitoris").
Quel fantastique disque! Quel magnifique groupe!