SINGLES AND RARITIES 2014/2018

Description

Let the pagans and other tomb profaners tremble: Vox Low emerges once again like a messenger from the depths, ready to shake the foundations, bearing the weight of ancient legends of dark mysteries on its shoulders. VRRRRRRR?! In their highly anticipated second album, Keep On Falling, the Parisians dare to don the ultimate shroud of rock'n'roll mythology: Vince Taylor's black leather ski suit. Like Moses raising his arms, like the call of fallen angels, they summon on this album the spirits of Jeffrey Lee Pierce from the Gun Club, the outlaw greasers of the fifties, as well as the heroes of acid rock. Wham! Bam?! Thank You Ma'am?! The gang consists of Jean-Christophe Couderc (machines + vocals), Benoît Raymond (bass), Mathieu Autin (drums), and a newcomer: Jérome Pichon (guitar) - who strangely seems to use a utility knife blade instead of a pick. CLING! To these preachers of anarchy, we must add a certain Aurélien Bonneau, whose role as sound engineer - a true wizard - has become essential, to the point of being a full-fledged member of the band. What seems to bind these renegades is their fanatical devotion to Mark E. Smith and their passion for chaos. Vox Low thus releases their highly anticipated second album, Keep On Falling, following an impeccable debut in 2018. But what happened during these five years?? The band has not ceased to be angry, to compose, but has especially done what they now excel at: live performances with a taste of napalm. Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa?! SPLAF?! Together, the Parisian quartet has toured France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and even Mexico. The band is also constantly amazed to play in front of an increasingly young audience: the blue-haired youth taking over from the forty-somethings of the cold wave dressed in trucker sweaters and worn-out Dr. Martens. Keep On Falling was recorded in their secret batcave, located near the entrance of the ring road at Porte d'Aubervilliers, on the dark border of the 18th arrondissement of Paris, evoking the apocalyptic universe of the film Rue Barbare (1984). One can notice a slight change in direction compared to their first record, perhaps with fewer club influences. In a macabre dance between shadow and light, each track on the album reveals unexpected depth, inviting the listener to plunge into an enchanting trance. This work is more mature and fluid than their first opus, and Vox Low merges genres to create an intoxicating blend of soaring krautrock, funereal post-punk, smoky dub, and minimalist rock'n'roll. If the tone seems to harden, these scoundrels also appear in a more pop and, strangely, brighter light. From the majestic intro of “Distance” to the very Curiste “Keep On Falling,” Vox Low has decided to showcase the full range of their talents. And what shines in their eyes are their black eyes. For, amidst the smoke and the image of gothic ravens, there lie bright and beautifully composed songs. There are even hits, as evidenced by the track “New Place In Town.” With the roar of a Hot Rod engine and a keyboard reminiscent of Ray Manzarek, the enigmatic track “Henry Rode” is inspired by the true story of an old Parisian dandy, whose body was found in his apartment several days after his death. His corpse was discovered, naked, sitting in an armchair. Oh?! And listen to this track, “It Grows”: have these apprentice Dr. Frankensteins of Vox Low not simply tried to cut off Iggy Pop's head - from the Lust For Life period - to assemble it onto the still-warm body of Peter Murphy? Thus, through the murky waters of rock'n'roll and rave culture, Vox Low erects with Keep On Falling a timeless monument, vibrating with deep intensity and uncompromising artistic vision. As a tribute to their legendary heroes, these modern virtuosos transcend the boundaries of time and space, connecting the dark energies of the past to the burning vitality of the present. Solitude, sad flesh, fervor for the rogues dressed in a pair of blue jeans, and a metallic taste of blood in the mouth, these are all themes dear to the post-punk bible - which is what this is about: a magnificent collection of songs about faith and devotion. Prepare to succumb to its enchanting power and lose yourself in the meanders of a captivating sonic ceremony.