One of the joys of being a music reviewer is discovering music from bands you know absolutely nothing about. When you listen and are instantly captivated it is simply thrilling. So it was with French trio Rest Up. What IS going on in France at the moment? Such a rich vein of noisey music being produced: We Hate You Please Die, chest., The Psychotic Monks, Johnnie Carwash to name but a few. It was only after the first listen of Rest Up’s debut album Real Sensations set for release on 26 September that this reviewer discovered it was produced by Gilla Band‘s Daniel Fox and recorded at Echo Zoo Studios in Eastbourne. .
Album opener ‘Harmattan’ has a short edgy start before the “Pa Dam, Pa Dam” of the drums, swishing percussion, and a guitar riff both dark and atmospheric. Gradually all the elements build and the vocal has a rhythmic quality, with it repeated lyrics. Will there will be a drop? No spoilers here. ‘Too Late To Call’ follows with its frenetic start. Shoegazey vocals with a hint of anxiety is maintained until the midpoint when the track throws off its shackles and all hell breaks loose. The subsequent two layers of vocals, one impassioned and one shoegaze, are impactful when blended together. When the drums and wild guitars jump it is exhilarating, but then it all ends surprisingly neatly together.
‘Accutane’ is just one of a number of highlights on Real Sensations. It’s tormented industrial vibe appropriate as Accutane® is a type of retinoid medication that treats severe acne. However because of its potential for serious side effects, it’s only available through strict programs and requires close medical supervision from a dermatologist.
“I take pills
To soften
My face
Is all burnt
I’m feeling dirty
I’m feeling bad”
The melodic noise powers on and on, the pain of physical discomfort and growing pains expressed within the music.
‘Damage’ is another highlight, all thunderous drums and crisp percussion alongside spikey guitars loaded with feedback. It’s at this point this reviewer thought this is a band that has to be seen live, and soon. Rattling along at pace with twitchy and slightly distorted vocals, it all oozes frustration.
“I’m tired of getting damaged from you.”
Simply exhilarating and a second layer of vocal comes in for a hair raising gallop to the very end. ‘Damage’ is a phenomenal track which needs to be played twice back to back.
And then the unexpected with ‘Pol’s Guitar’. A quieter more considered song with an air of calm and a more delicate touch. It contains the most gorgeous guitar rift. Yes the pace does ebb and flow, and yet it demonstrates a versatility to Rest Up. ‘Causeway’ is another surprise, a electronic instrumental which warps back and forth but accompanied by a keyboard which is just about decipherable amongst the electrifying edges. The inventive dichotomy of the scratchy noise with the elegant keyboard is mesmerising.
‘Weekend Girlfriend’ title made me smile. Full of unease and nervy, as is the case perhaps in these situations. On ‘Hold Me Tight’ the instrumentation dominates, the vocals soar but not easy to decipher which encourages the listener to lean in. There is a desire here for comfort, a connection. The track ends with: “Hold me for the last time, Again.” Such simple and yet such loaded lyrics.
’66’ is twitchy, alluding to a difficult time, full of tension and referencing pressure. The vocals again maintain such a shoegaze quality against the industrial soundscape. The title track ‘Real Sensations’ is yet another highlight (how many is that so far?). Wild and frenzied, there is a feral energy to all aspects of this track. Anger and rage boil over, the fury seeping from every pore.
“Real sensations
I’ve tried
Feeling tired
Feeling anxious
The right time,
The wrong person
It kills joy
It kills ambition”
The closing track is ‘Stall’ a contemplative song to end the album. A lighter vocal, with a constant tone, measured and under control. A delicate end to a debut full of experimentation, inventiveness, and plenty of highlights to being the listener back again and again.
For more information on Rest Up please check their facebook and instagram.
Review: 9 out of 10