If you are like me, and you became aware of these French rockers through their single, Antisocial, and a support slot with Iron Maiden – you will know what a great band they are! The Repression album was translated in English by non other than Jimmy Pursey of Sham 69. Fun fact #57, drummer Nicko McBrain would leave after this album to join Maiden as their drummist. This is the follow up to Repression, and this is the French version. The English version was called Savage. Even though I couldn’t tell you what the subject matter is, I enjoy this album to the max.
In opener, La Grande Illusion, it does make the 12 year old inside me laugh as I’m sure they sing Fart, Fart, Fart in the sing-a-long section. Anyhoo, don’t be distracted by that as it’s a great song with a cool riff! La Sauvage follows and that’s another hard rockin’ tune. Next up is Repression, with a killer groove and riff from guitarist Nono. La Junte is next, with some tasty guitar and spat vocal from Bernie, and a killer solo. Misere closes out Side 1 – probably the weakest song on the album.
Side 2 kicks in with Les Brutes, with it’s quite happy riff, and it is apparently about the Soviets crushing the Prague Spring in ’79. The title track is another killer tune with that driving beat and a great riff. Album closer, Ton Dernier Acte, starts off slow with spoken lyric, and a riff played quiet, and then builds – this is my favourite track from the album. Really love Nono’s playing, and this track highlights it perfectly – killer tune.
PLAY VERY LOUD!!! A quick mention to producer Tony Platt who has given the band a killer sound with a great mix. If you like hard rock the this is for you.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
