Du rire aux armes

Ska-punk-Guinguette-Reggae, such is the style defended by ATOMIC LEAF since its reformation. While Rudy Coclet, more accustomed to pop, took on the recording, the band somewhat slowed down their punk heat musically speaking for these 10 tracks. The libertarian songs, the protester texts and other festive anthems are omnipresent and gain in presence thanks to the quality of the sound. All the same, it is true that ATOMIC LEAF never sounded more rock'n'roll. This neat production makes the texts audible and perceptible, balances equitably the instruments and gives way all along to distilled subtleties. The guinguette spirit is highlighted as deserved. The Guinguette anarchist spirit of the beginning of the 20th century... and not the ethilic festival accompanied by the traditional carbonized sausages held on the place of the village every year ! With all the care applied to the album, there's an unsuspected lightness coming from it. One could expect a new ATOMIC LEAF's record full of force and energy, however "Du rires aux armes" is relaxed, retained but subversive which is a surprise. A smoothness and a delicacy which are all the more enjoyable than the band didn't actually make any concessions. It's an album which should open doors and widen their horizons. It is clean and accessible. It sounds pro while obviously maintaining the protester side of the band. An unballasting of musical pugnacity that gives more credit to the band and their remarks.

Fred Brichau