Canadian electro-punks Duchess Says feature the crazed vocals of Annie Claude-Deschenes, whose sound is filled with deep displeasure throughout the entire crazy ride. The feral robustness of the band as they bash away in support of her, and then in spite of her, is quite riveting.
The propulsive rhythms and sonic theories Duchess Says try to explore are largely directed toward hurting you with disturbing sound. While I Repeat Myself is a focused attempt at the Human League, Negative Thoughts is as unsettling and out of place as when Devo burst on the scene with their debut.
Sciences Nouvelles may not be coherent but it’s compelling. The primitive repetition of Poubelle pays homage to every electro-geek who plonked away in the garage, although by the time it chugs to a halt, the effect is quite mesmeric.
Travaillez is an arresting effort that harks back to a distant past forging toward a brave future. Talk In Shapes misses the mark and ends in tears although I’m An Idea redresses the balance. Ultimately, this record is a worthy discordant dystopian rave that has ideas to burn.
By Bronius Zumeris
