Laxisme have mastered the art of playing hard to get—according to Phantom Records, who had to beg the band to record a second LP. Fortunately, the band eventually caved, and thank god they did, because Laxisme sounds like a group recharged and fully inspired.

Across eight full-throttle tracks (plus a brief intro), the energy is electric, the melodies razor-sharp, and the vibe absolutely infectious. Expect fast-paced garage pop punk sung in French—most of it delivered with the force of gang vocals—a touch of Marked Men urgency, and a splash of late-’70s punk attitude. It’s the kind of record that makes you want to unretire the classic four-letter review: H-I-T-S. Add an exclamation point. Done.

Grands Cerveaux is the poppiest track of the bunch, and absolutely sounds like a triple-A-side 7″, but I’m just as defenseless against 2 Ans and 7 Secondes. Killer stuff.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp