ZARMA CRAOUED (vinyl)

Description

There could undoubtedly be an entire book written about The Rats' misfortunes in the studio. Inexperience, bad luck, ill fate, lack of money, disasters, mishaps, misfortunes – the band seems to have experienced it all. Just as The Rats seemed to have found stability and efficiency with a five-member lineup (see the excellent maxi 'C'est Bien Parti Pour Ne Pas S'arranger' and previous EPs) and everything seemed to be getting better, their historic label, 'Gougnaf Mouvement,' folded just as 'Zarma & Craoued' was being prepared. The wait was long. We could have expected the worst, but we almost got the best. Although their keupon roots are still present, The Rats seem to be moving away from their original punk-rock sound for a sharp and explosive rock'n'roll. The lead guitar is prominent throughout the album, much to our delight (we can also appreciate the musicians' progress, especially Laurent's). The (unusual) presence of brass, keyboards, and a harmonica makes the whole thing more rock than ever. As for the lyrics, they are still as corrosive, dark, and pessimistic as ever. 'Zarma & Craoued' is an album that needs to be tamed to be appreciated, the Rats' signature (primarily their caustic treatment of social issues) remaining intact and even amplified. Let's hope that the audio clean-up of this re-release will allow it to be appreciated at its true value.