KILO

More French Hardcore and, with fellow touring partners Appollonia, have sparked quite a bit of interest in me recently. In fact, I'll go out on a limb and say that the French appear to be doing better things with the genre than the Americans have for the last decade. They cite some unusual influences that may contribute to this experimental take on Hardcore (Nine Inch Nails, Sonic Youth etc), as well as the usual Melvins and Helmet. In addition, the production is supremely well-handled; the bass pops and grooves audibly, drums don't fall foul of clipping, and the guitars fizz with excitement and urgency. Even Pierre K's vocals are pretty decent, with some lovely vocal harmonies highlighting their Post-Hardcore leanings. I hear some Larry LaLonde in the guitar playing too at times, which is unexpected, but definitely welcomed. Standout track is the aptly-named 'Slow', which comes across as something of a sun-drenched Hardcore ballad - should such a thing exist - before building into a grooved-up jam and ending on something akin to early-era Kerbdog. Lovely. The French Hardcore scene is looking very healthy, with these latest signings by 'Maximum Douglas' proving them to be on a par with 'Ferret' in the States. Excellent stuff.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Maximun Douglas Records

Album

FRONTKICK

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

27:44

RELEASE DATE:

September 2009

TRACK LISTING

1) Frantic
2) Golgoth 666
3) Groy
4) Slow
5) Place
6) Helmless
7) Harry

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

France

"...the production is supremely well-handled; the bass pops and grooves audibly, drums don't fall foul of clipping, and the guitars fizz with excitement and urgency."