7/6/08: Duchess Says

DUCHESS SAYS
Anthologie Des 3 Perchoirs
Alien8 Recordings
Release date: September 2, 2008
Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Sounds like: Feverish blend of electronica, garage rock, and fem-punk; The Pixies, The Kills, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Be Your Own Pet



The first time I listened to Duchess Says’ debut album, I hated it. Giving it one more chance, I loved it. This Montreal quartet unexpectedly succeeds by merging blistering guitar assaults, thumping punk-inspired drum kicks, and distorted keyboard squelches to create a tantalizing and neurotically unique sound (the band calls it “moog rock”). Lead singer Annie C opens the album with gunshot blast vocals on “Tenen No Neu,” while prog rock and staccato start-stop explosions punctuate “Ccut Up.” Although Duchess Says lives up to their celebrated electronic influences on Six Finger Satellite cover “Rabies” and the weirdly computerized live anthem “Black Flag,” the finest moments of Anthologie Des 3 Perchoirs come when the band veers down the experimental rock path. “C.H.O.B.” is a one-minute grenade onslaught of ferocious punk basics, while “Aeae” staggers along with a snot-nosed attitude and incomprehensible screams. “A Century Old” shifts gears into spooky Devo-in-a-dark-alley territory, but its orgasmic apex represents the far-reaching galaxy Duchess Says seems to be reaching for. And “I’ve Got The Flu” shreds genre distinctions to pieces, signifying the psychotically symbiotic marriage of geeky techno beats, ‘80s retro-pop, indie-punk snarl, and sultry lyrical come-ons. One listen to Anthologie Des 3 Perchoirs’ alluring weirdness may make you forget all about those other Canadian buzz bands.

Official site: www.duchesssays.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/duchesssays
Label: www.alien8recordings.com/artists/duchess-says
“Ccut Up” mp3