This article was automatically translated by AI.
-"Hellcome, my guest," he says jovially.
-"Excuse me, isn’t it actually ‘Welcome my…`…?"
Before the sentence could finish forming in my mind, the man begins to interrupt me:
- "NICE TO MEAT YOU!"
Everything that follows this cliché horror scenario is pure pleasure and joy in playing and in music. The musicians from France arrive with an interesting mix of Psychobilly, Punk Rock, and Rock’n’Roll, which they have dubbed “Gore’n’Roll” (with “Gore” coming from English and meaning blood). Sounds strange and disturbing? Yes, but in a very beautiful way!
The only thing that proves to be constant with the band is their consistently morbid and insane character. The rest can confidently be seen as a successful colorful bag of treats.
Paired with a strange appearance, such as bloody masks and zombie outfits, there are also lyrics that often deal with blood, violence, horror, or various Rock’n’Roll themes (Sex, Drugs, Rock!). Pretty:
“Quand le goût de ton sang s'écoule entre mes dents / La saveur de la mort s'évapore de ton corps”
(“When the taste of your blood flows between my teeth, the flavor of death evaporates from your corpse” – A paraphrased translation)
Such and similar thoughts consistently run through the album and should actually disturb the diligent listener constantly.
But the exact opposite is the case: With a scruffy, nasty voice and a very whimsical musical backdrop, the songs are very dance-inspiring and invite movement and mental sing-alongs in every situation. The instruments play in various tempos and across all classes of art, delivering a very stimulating rock that sometimes comes across a bit heavier and faster (“Murder Party”), sometimes a bit slower (“Strip or die”), or simply “cool” (“Nice to meat you”, “Mon Oiuseau Rare”). The lyrics also feature an interesting mix of different languages: The verses are all written in French (except for the song “Pussycat”). The choruses, on the other hand, often have a few guest appearances in foreign languages, such as Spanish or English. The mix is very pleasing.
Another significant contribution to this listenable record is the instrument that plays the most – in my opinion – important role in Psychobilly: the double bass. Amidst all the varied melodies, drum beats, and malicious verbal outbursts, this special, deep spirit of the bass sneaks in again and again, seasoning the music with “that very specific component” and thus making it something truly special. The bass is particularly noticeable in songs like “Nice to meat you,” where it perfectly underpins and accompanies the entire eerie atmosphere with an almost groovy line. Fundamentally, one can say that the bass brings a distinctive character to every conceivable situation and in almost every song, giving the band that certain “touch” that flips a switch in my head.
Together with the other instruments, a solid combo spills over the speakers, which continues to impress over a longer period with wit, fun, and craftsmanship, without losing the “serious” character of blood, death, and violence.
Banane Metalik has created a truly great silver disc with “Nice to meat you,” which appeals to fans of Psychobilly, Punk Rock, and Rock’n’Roll alike. Anyone who also enjoys foreign language music should definitely consider delving further into this band. Highly recommended!
