Grisaille: French Punks Release Addictive Debut EP With Entre Deux Averses…
New French band Grisaille, featuring two members of Syndrome 81, premieres their debut EP, blending melodic punk influences with emotive storytelling.
French band Grisaille is the brainchild of Syndrome 81 founding members Jacky and Fab. This duo, known for their dynamic involvement in Mentalité 81 where they deliver fast and primal hardcore, now brings a unique melodic touch to Grisaille. Their debut seven-inch EP, reminiscent of classic singles, showcases their adeptness in blending melody, angst, and a sense of desperate urgency, traits familiar in their other projects.
However, Grisaille sets itself apart from the tougher, more robust influences of classic USHC, post-punk and Oi! that characterize their other bands. Instead, this new venture draws its musical essence from more tuneful hardcore punk bands like Gorilla Angreb, The Vicious, and early Masshysteri; in other words, catchy, danceable songs of alienation.
In Entre Deux Averses…, which roughly translates as between two rains, the songs “Blessures” (Wounds) and “Ton Souvenir” (Your Memory) come together to form a narrative that resonates deeply with the band’s roots in the often gloomy and rain-soaked city of Brest.
“Blessures” explores the inner turmoil of emotional marks and past traumas. It’s a song about personal struggles, betrayals, and regrets, metaphorically aligning these emotional wounds to persistent and painful scars, while painting a picture of internal struggle comparable to enduring a relentless downpour.
Conversely, “Ton Souvenir” shifts focus to the enduring power of memory in the aftermath of loss. It captures the heartache of saying goodbye but also celebrates the perpetual presence of loved ones in our lives. This track offers a sense of hope and continuity, standing as a testament to the power of memory in healing and moving forward.
To fully experience the depth and resilience portrayed in these two tracks, it’s recommended to give the record a listen. Grisaille’s moving French lyrics and addictive melodies not only echo the ebb and flow of human emotions, but also connect with anyone who has sailed the shifting tides of life’s challenges.
Entre Deux Averses… was recorded in the summer of 2023 at Jacky’s own At The Movies Studio in Brest and mastered by Will Killingsworth at Dead Air Studio in the United States. Featuring always brilliant artwork by Hugues Pzzl.
Pre-order on vinyl via Symphony of Destruction Records from France. US release coming in January 2024 on Black Water Records.
