Fine Équipe – Moral D’Acier EP
Songwriters Fab and Jacky (Syndrome 81, Mentalité 81, Grisaille) show that they are experts in their fields (once again), with their ability to display true mastery of yet another genre.
Moral D’Acier EP is the debut release from French youth crew outfit, Fine Équipe. Brought to you by the same masterminds behind Syndrome 81, Mentalité 81, Grisaille, Prisonnier du Temps… the list goes on, this five-song, eight minute release hits all the high notes for a certain brand of fast hardcore. Songwriters Fab and Jacky show that they are experts in their fields (once again), with their ability to display true mastery of yet another genre.
A certain combination of aggression and melody are needed to obtain the perfect balance found in Fine Équipe’s sound. This can be heard in the ideal blend of octave leads, bright, picked out solos, crunchy verse runs, and circle pit breaks. The band accomplishes all they need to within the confines of a release clocking in at under ten minutes and really leaves the listener satisfied with what has been presented and anticipating what is to come.
Thankfully, the lyrics have been posted on Bandcamp in both French and English, so it’s clear to see that a band with such a traditionally anthemic sound is transparent with its themes. The topics explored on the record include unity (“Plus Jamais Seul”), inner strength (“Moral D’Acier” and “La Force:), animal liberation (“Sans Souffrance Ajoutée”), and addiction (“Dépendance”).
Fine Équipe is transparent about not being a straight edge band, which is not common for this sound and style of hardcore (it is presumed that “Dépendance” addresses some of the whys here). The band’s courage to carry on the tradition of youth crew, despite not being straight edge is admirable. Their thoughtful reflection can be found in the lyrics, their bio, and overall approach to writing music like this. They invoke a benevolent offering with reverence and respect for the culture of straight edge. Moral D’Acier. is a sincere token of gratitude to the bands that came before to inspire their sound.
Pick up the record from Offside Records. The song “Moral D’Acier” can be heard on the 2024 edition of the international youth crew comp series, available through Positive and Focused Records.
