(c) Arnaud Perrier
In addition to the We Stood Like Kings, known for their cinematic post rock, Diego Di Vito also has a second hot iron in the fire. With Royal Pussy He has already released two EPs, which also like to flirt with post sounds, but at the same time have a heart for atmospheric to aggressive, slightly pointed math rock. The Belgian quartet’s first album aims to expand on the soundtrack-like approach of Di Vito’s other band: Also „Mick Torres Plays Too F***ing Loud“ doesn’t need vocals to create images in your head.
Chatte Royal welcomes you with a hearty “Bonjour” and gets to the heart of their sound in 74 seconds. Cranky to playful math guitars, dense atmosphere, neat storytelling and epic undertones work even in the XXS format. On the other hand, “Victoria Wong Pt 2,” which is three times as long, hits the ground running from the very first second, with an effortful punk drive and a lot of esprit. The moody and whimsical presentation fits perfectly with common notions of math rock, before a switch is flipped out of nowhere and reveals thick strumming of the classic post style. Instead of giving in to the oversized explosiveness, the quartet gets lost in numerous breaks and surprises with jazz vibes.
In general, this record is a hodgepodge of unusual musical ideas. There is, for example, “Marty Mc Fly”, whose static opening with a build-up of tension suggests score moves. A brutal, almost metallic middle section with wild guitar walls falls completely into the frame, after which the Belgians even play with polyrhythms before they find their way back to the calming leitmotif. “Sushi”, this friendly game with fingerboard witchcraft, is also immediately catchy. Here Chatte Royal create a proggy rocking chair for their math approach and rock back and forth ever wilder.
Chatte Royal follow an unusual musical approach, but one that isn’t easy to get away from. The likeable peculiarity of this debut spreads from the first note and takes hold. Too cinematic for math rock, too playful for punk, too rough for post rock – “Mick Torres Plays Too F***ing Loud” doesn’t just sit between the chairs, but between entire housing estates. And it’s obviously great to lounge there, which is at least what this inspiring album suggests.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: March 8, 2024
Available via: Kapitan Platte (Cargo Records)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chatteroyal
Category: Magazin, Reviews