Dirty Shades – Stuck In Motion
Dirty Shades – Stuck In Motion
Modular Music
Release Date: 25/10/2024
Running time: 34:14
Review by Beth Morait
8/10
French Progressive, Post-everything band, Dirty Sahdes are relative newcomers to the scene, with this new release, “Stuck In Motion” being their debut full-length, after releasing their first EP in 2022. It’s always nice to review newer bands, because they’re full of energy and momentum, and that absolutely applies to this young quartet.
This album is a unique blend of so many sub-genres, all knitted together in an intricate tapestry of prog. Led by the 90s, Indie-esque vocals of Anouk, we’re dragged through lilting Progressive melodies, Psychedelic guitars, and out and out Punk, whether we like it or not. It takes Classical and Folk Melodic influences, and throws them in a washing machine of modernity, on a hot wash, with a hefty dose of Noise and Hardcore in the detergent draw, and many colours that bleed and run into each other. There are so many twists and turns in this record, that you never know what’s coming next. But there’s always the undeniable rhythms and intricacies of Classic Progressive Rock to keep you grounded while your brain’s washing machine is on a spin cycle, about to go apoplectic around the room.
The songs mostly go through an initial calm section that builds to an in-your-face chorus. And this is where the musicality of this band really shines. They manage to seamlessly move from one section to another, while remaining in complete control, despite the overbearing feeling that everything could descend into a shambolic mess at any moment. This shows the skill of these performers. They each know exactly how far to push it before teetering over the edge. Controlled raw. Feral, but with a basic moral compass. Dirty, but with clean hands.
It’s a little like an art installation if I’m honest. I can imagine some great, pop-art influenced visuals to accompany this album, which would turn it into an amazing 3 dimensional audio/visual experience, rather than just another album. It’s clever, exciting, and fucking heavy when it drops.
If you like to be surprised and challenged by music, and hear something different each time you listen, then this is one album that’s well worth your attention. I will definitely be keeping Dirty Shades on my radar from now on.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Cannon Fodder
02. Mine
03. Left In Dust
04. Secret Sound
05. Overdue Rage
06. Breaking Point
LINE-UP:
Anouk Degrande – Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Nathan Mimeau – Guitar, Vocals
Martin Degrande – Bass, Guitar, Vocals
Mathurin Robart – Drums, Vocals
LINKS:
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