"Supernova" indulges the followers of the neo-metal formation Peach F.t.l. from Montpellier in two ways: Along with the CD, there is also a making-of DVD featuring quite cheeky videos, in which the band convincingly presents themselves as anti-rockstars, for example, not letting themselves be distracted by the world-weariness while enjoying the available party favors at a cocktail party. However, this mischievousness does not come across at first acoustic impression. On the contrary: "Supernova" seems to cater to contemporaries who, in the news, are regularly described as inconspicuous and who always greeted their neighbors kindly in the stairwell before giving themselves the final bullet in the classroom due to their premature school dropout. Song titles like "On meurt ensemble" or the horror-laden cover contribute to such (mis)interpretations, as do the beats that buzz like gunshots or the often torturously delayed rhythm, over which siren-like cascades of guitar crash, while the usual genre-typical growls and rasps express themes of value loss, smoldering anger, and pent-up rage. It’s well done, even above average, more virtuosic than other socks from the metal drawer, and the vocally rich French adds its own musical, undeniably original color to this genre. However, most songs, and this is the disturbing part, scratch at deep emotions that never fully erupt into a total outburst, a "big bang." This discomfort only resolves at the very end, in the form of a true punchline, in the finale of the CD, "Juste une histoire," the last of the 13 songs: It returns after minutes of silence in the guise of a classic punk rock bar brawler. Phew, there goes the rabbit, a real relief. Upon a second listen, "Supernova" sounds more innocuous and is quite suitable for the background music while emptying a bottle of red wine, preferably at an open window during a downpour, after deciding never to dial a certain phone number again. If the world is already shabby and banal, then lamenting it can lend a bit of dignity and grace - perhaps that is the message of this band. In their homeland, Peach F.t.l. is quite a big deal, having won numerous awards in their eleven years of existence, even receiving honors from MTV, but they are primarily known through the soundtrack of a TV commercial. The fact that this band sings strictly in French unfortunately does not make the expansion of their influence any easier, which is a shame. Here, one is dealing not just with a band, but with characters. Twisted, intriguing, and mysterious, because they may have even more to say and think than fits on this album. "Supernova" was released by Spectre Records.
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