An extraordinary second album by the Manchester experimental noise and electronica quartet of the visceral and playful, protest and cartharsis, in a fierce, throbbing, shape-shifting, genre-bursting tour de force that’s responds to very challenging times. The title alone captures what many us may feel about what is going on the world. Multi-lingual vocalist Valentine Caulfield (who delivers mostly French), guitarist and producer Scott Fair, synth player Simon Catling, and drummer Alex Macdougall have a urgency and intensity that’s remarkable. The creative process was given even greater innovation and power by the production of Gilla Band’s Daniel Fox. After the songs were written mostly during a residency at an eerie studio house in the outskirts of Leeds, it was recorded across Berlin and Greater Manchester just before Caulfield was about to undergo a series of operations. That intensity is palpable, her voice like a passionate assuault weapon of clever cut-up language. Opener Sevastopol instantly assaults like a chainsaw and set of cut-up disembodied vocals. The urgency of protest movements such as referencing resistance to the genocide in Gaza is identified in Ist Halt So. Among many highlights, former Song of the Day Magazine comes with clattering rhythms, sonic throbs and screaming guitars – exciting, threatening siren-like goth noise rock and electronica. Sicko! (several candidates who this could refer to) comes with a frazzled rap featuring Billy Woods. feedback loops of colour the dark dreams of Life Hex. Cursive attacks and attracts with an industrial and tribally rhythm ferocity and infectiously catchy electronica. Final track I'll Ask Her targets young toxic masculinity. Whether or not the lyrics are fully understood by the listener, the sheer energy and stylishness of sound is gripping. A very impressive release by one of the most original and exciting bands around. Out on Sacred Bones.
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