TROMATISM - Je Ne Veux Plus Avoir Mal EP 1994

The only 7Inch by Tromatism, a French anarcho-punk group . The group was formed by Loran (ex Ze6 + Bérurier Noir) and Violette. They combine acerbic lyrics (against homophobia, the attitude of England against the Irish republicans, machismo, legalize drugs, rape... and we listen to four offensive tracks with large reinforcements of electric guitars on the bottom of a drum machine, where are added various instruments like a violin, a didgeridoo or a flute and I find they have the spirit of Alien Sex Fiend in their sound but far more angry and brachial. Their concerts were complemented by wild performances, mixing fire, water, mud, masks and tribal accessories. Six years later the English label Active Distribution released their album Une Saison En Enfer with fourteen classics, Tromatism split in 1999. Now enjoy finest electropunk with a glass of Chardonnay.

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MÉTAL URBAIN - Les Hommes Morts Sont Dangereux 1981

 

Before I dedicate myself to football, a small, considerable sound document from the early 80s: "Dead Men Are Dangerous" is the only studio album by the French electro-punk band Métal Urbain. Formed 1976 in Paris and heavily influenced by the Clash and Sex Pistols on one hand, and on the other by an electro approach related to Metal Machine Music by Lou Reed. They relied on heavily distorted guitars and replaced the traditional rock rhythm section of bass guitar/drums with a synthesizer and drum machine, a then-unique approach that foreshadowed the experimental possibilities that were explored by later post-hardcore bands such as Big Black. They were also known for their radical image (the color scheme of albums always being a stark black, white and red), and subversive lyrics sung in French. They were met with some enthusiasm in the United Kingdom, particularly by John Peel and the Rough Trade label. (Métal Urbain's 2nd single Paris Maquis was Rough Trade's first release.). In 1977, their first single "Panik" was named "Single Of The Week" by New Musical Express. They had an enthusiastic but small audience in France, receiving little exposure. The punk rock scene was not as popular in France as it was in the United Kingdom, and they did not interest the French media as British bands like Sex Pistols did. As a result, singer Clode Panik left in December 1978, though the band continued to gig and record with Eric Debris on vocals, and also recording with spin-off bands Metal Boys, and Doctor Mix and the Remix, until 1980, when guitar players brothers Schwartz and Lüger left to form the short-lived band Desperados.

Métal Urbain had focused their efforts on singles and only produced one album during their first period of activity. However, several compilation records were released, gathering their singles with additional material such as BBC sessions and live recordings. Their electro approach was very innovative for its time, and the group are a reference point for such groups as the Jesus and Mary Chain, Bérurier Noir and the producer Steve Albini. The band reunited in 2003 to tour in the United States, and had since toured consistently in France and the rest of Europe. Métal Urbain recorded their second studio album, J'irai Chier Dans Ton Vomi, in 2006, produced by Jello Biafra in San Francisco; a follow up mini-album, Crève Salope, was issued in 2008.

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THE BRIGADES - Costa Del Dole 1986

Today a really cool record from France with a lot of esprit, refreshing guitars, rich bass runs and pleasant vocals. Melodic and powerful the whole thing and I like this. Info: The Brigades were formed 1981 in Paris and after a few changes, the group stabilized with Vlad "Dialectics" Marcus (vocals), Kid Bravo (guitars), Xavier Saveriu "Chatterton" (bass) and Tony Aigri (drums). Vlad remembers: "I met Kid when I arrived in Paris, a friend with whom I was doing a fanzine (Burning Rome) introduced him to me. On Cité 96 in the evening, we played just after the program of Stéphane Planel and the singer of Orchester Rouge, Théo Hakola. With Kid, we set up the band with Tony on drums, and recruited by the classifieds, (Xavier in Corsica) on bass. Our name was chosen above all for the ease to understanding it in the world. Our first single, Riot & Dance, did a great job, same for the mini LP 'Bombs N'Blood N'Capital', both released on our label Rock Radical Records (founded with the aim of having our own control over what we produce), and we really started touring in 1984 and I remember Dunkirk where we met the Sub Kids. Great guitarists!"

1983 they released their second 7Inch 'Janis Would Say' and a live tape 'My Taylor Is Communist'. Kid Bravo then leaves the group for musical divergence and Tony, Kid's childhood friend, also leaves. Vlad recruits Miguel on drums thanks to a classified ad and Franck on guitar, originally from Toulouse. They rehearse near Nanterre with the Trotskids as neighbors. In 1986 the second LP 'Costa Del Dole' came out, and 1987 their last 'Yours Negatively', both on their new label Negative Records. Many concerts (over 200) followed and take them to Poland, Switzerland, Germany & Great Britain. Their last concert took place at the Cirque d'Hiver in 1989 with Bérurier Noir. 

Vlad wants to mount another formation to continue, so he contacts Fredéric from the Sub Kids, but he cannot. Guitarist of Richard III, Jean-Marc, with whom he is friends (a canceled concert with the Stiff Little Fingers), is not available either. Franck leaves for Toulouse, so the Brigades broke up in 1989. Miguel had already been playing with Dirty District for some time, hence the difficulty of finding dates with him and the other members for concerts. (source: 45vinylvidivici)

A nice review: "Much more rockin’ than their previous releases, the Brigades cut loose with powerful pop-punk. Their style is a cross between mid-period CLASH and ’80s Brit-punk, while their lyrics are unabashedly political. Driving, well-recorded Punkrock." (Tim Yohannan, MRR #36 • May 1986)

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