There is a certain je ne sais quo to French punk and powerpop that just works. One of my favorite discoveries of late is Dans Ton Rétro, the debut full-length by Pogy Et Les Kéfars from Marseille. Technically, a 2017 demo and an EP from 2019 precede Dans Ton Rétro, but it mark the band’s first record as a trio rather than a four-piece. More notable, Dans Ton Rétro is their first album completely sung in their native language, something that comes more natural to the band than singing in English. The switch definitely pays off, because the French language makes this insanely catchy record even more irresistible. The nine songs on the LP are short, upbeat, angular, and tightly played. And, it’s easy to see this record embraced by fans of powerpop and punk all over the world. Lead single Dans Ma Parka is an absolute blast – watch the video below, and songs like Bye Bye Johnny and Kilomètre-heure are killer tracks as well.
If you told me this was a French classic from the early eighties, I probably wouldn’t have doubted it for a second. But no, Pogy Et Les Kéfars really is a current band, brought forth by an already strong underground scene in Marseille that also includes bands like Sun Sick, Les Hatepinks and Departure Kids. Though admittedly, the band’s inspirations come from a wide variety of music, including French chansons. I think that is reflected in the music, which is not 100% punk, or 100% powerpop, but harbors many influences.
Dans Ton Rétro was recorded at the end of 2019, but faced many pandemic related delays. I can only imagine the frustrations the band experienced after creating something this good and then having to wait this long for the world to hear it. But, let’s not get stuck in the past: Pogy Et Les Kéfars is waiting in the shadows staying sharp by rockin’ out in their music studio and a friend’s garden/living room, ready to conquer the world. I, for one, can’t wait for that. Dans Ton Rétro is out now on No Front Teeth (UK), Crapoulet (France) & Bitume Rugueux (France).
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Crapoulet Records || Bitume Rigueux || No Front Teeth