What would France’s answer to Sheer Mag sound like? Not a question I’d ever thought to ask, but I sure like the answer. It’s Corde Sortie, a band from Bordeaux making its debut in a way that is bound to make a few hearts flutter.

The guitar riffs and irresistible grooves immediately bring back that feeling of hearing bands like Sheer Mag and Romero for the first time. But rather than copying that sound, Corde Sortie merely rhymes with it. The Thin Lizzy influence is unmistakable too. The rhythm section hits with a swagger that feels almost cinematic, while the dual guitars weave around each other like two people finishing each other’s sentences. They trade leads, harmonize melodies, and somehow never step on each other’s toes, even when things get delightfully unhinged. And unlike those early lo-fi Sheer Mag EPs, this all arrives with a crisp, confident production that lets every hook groove.

Then there’s singer Oriane, who has her own cool way of doing things. Her voice carries both yearning and conviction, sounding like she’s got some stories to tell.

None of this means Corde Sortie is too polished. Quite the opposite. À qui la faute ? crackles with urgency and attitude from start to finish. This is a killer debut, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Corde Sortie becomes a new favorite for a fair share of our readership.

À qui la faute ? is out now on cassette via Dirty Slap Records.

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