Dirty Shades - Stuck in Motion (2024)
By Flork
When I first heard Mine by the French quartet Dirty Shades, I knew right away that my addictive personality disorder would later thank me. I mean, this song begs to be listened to hundreds of times a day (if not more), with Anouk’s sometimes gentle, sometimes rough vocals, accompanied by a bluesy bass and reverbed guitar, beguiling my auditory senses to new and unknown heights. I was blown away. I played this song over and over like an unsatiable appetite, yet I failed to satisfy my cravings. It was like chain-smoking several packs of cigarettes. It was like going back for thirds and fourths at an all-you-can-eat buffet. It was like eating a square from one of those big Milka chocolate bars and then knowing that it would be a total waste to not eat the entire thing. Mine is one of those addictive substance with its inceptive light and gentle washes contrasting the later, heavier and climatic changes in terms of both vocals and instruments. In fact, all six tracks on Stuck in Motion follow a similar formula thereby creating a uniqueness in sound that Dirty Shades have thankfully captured and know how to harness. I loved this album right from the beginning. I was hooked.
And so, after adding the album to my Spotify library, I began to play Stuck in Motion (released at the end of October, 2024) at every chance I could get. I played it nonstop morning to night, whether I was at home or at work. Anouk’s singing is top-notch with a vocal range that extends beyond imagination. This is apparent right away in the opening track Cannon Fodder, where at several moments she sounds both gentle and soothing, yet with an ever-present element of sadness and desperation in her voice. But when she does release that desperation, you have to stand back, because the shockwave packs a heavy punch. And a painful one. Imagine being attacked by ninjas or demons or a combination of both.
But she’s not the only singer in this group. Martin, their bassist, takes a turn at the leads in Secret Sound and doesn’t disappoint. He’s also an amazing vocalist and doesn’t break the continuity of Stuck in Motion. By this, I mean, some groups who interchange their vocalists don’t quite pull it off, and, as a result, discourage their listeners rather than keep them interested. I think Martin would have no problems filling-in if Anouk ever came down with a sore throat and couldn’t make it to a gig some night.
With regards to the instrumentation, the musicians compliment the vocals in their skill and tasteful moments of presence. In tracks like Left in Dust and Overdue Rage, there are no signs of competition for attention or moments of over dominance. Every instrument takes front stage at timely and appropriate moments. I’m particularly impressed by Nathan Mimeau’s guitar skills and Mathurin Robart’s drumming. Their timing and changes create a chemistry between the tones of the bass and the emotions of the vocals. It all culminates in the aptly titled Breaking Point, which concludes the album with seven minutes of playing time that exemplifies what Dirty Shades are all about.
And just what are they all about? Well, your guess is as good as mine (I don’t mean the track). They are definitely an alternative rock band, full of energy that is strikingly positive, despite the despair in Anouk’s vocals and the lyrics:
Twenty year old man
Holding the death of thirty souls
Spent about one month to learn to kill
But none to save
Thrown in battlefield, with no blue sky for hanging on
Losing friend to fear and hatred
From those who hide behind order and death
Why save me?
Why save me?
Why save me?
From
This
World
Seems fine for most of us
(From Cannon Fodder)
You could also call them postpunk (whatever that’s supposed to mean) with elements of indie and psychedelic rock, but I just like to call them a cool and fun rock band with a loud and enjoyable sound (the album costs only 4 euros on bandcamp).
And the Florkster’s prognosis? Dirty Shades are one of those bands who are worthy of greater attention, and I say this because each of their compositions is well-written and addiction-forming, kind of like a bad habit you don’t want to break. I also think that Stuck in Motion progresses from their previous Ep Lift Off. Not at it’s expense mind you, but rather as an evolution of their talent as musicians who have the potential make great sound waves on the alternative scene. 10/10
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