L’appel Du Vide’s debut full-length album, “Metro,” is a post-punk masterpiece that melds various genres like post-punk, garage punk, noise rock, deathrock, and no wave. This album is not just a collection of songs but a sonic journey through introspection and raw emotion. With its roots in East German angst, “Metro” stands as a towering monolith in the post-punk scene, offering a rich and diverse listening experience. “Metro” begins with an intense blend of post-punk and garage punk, immediately setting a dark and brooding tone. The opening track plunges the listener into a world where all the darkness meets the energy. This imagery is vividly portrayed in the music, which combines searing guitars, pounding drums, and haunting vocals. As the album progresses, elements of noise rock and death rock become more prominent. The Flatty’s guitar work is a standout, with its screeching and clanking that evoke a sense of hunger and desperation. The rhythm section is relentless, driving each track forward with a sense of urgency and impending doom. The analog synths occasionally emerge, adding a layer of eerie, atmospheric texture to the mix. The thematic core of “Metro” revolves around introspection and the exploration of self-knowledge. The lyrics, delivered by singer René, are raw and unfiltered, offering a glimpse into the inner upheaval and existential angst that define the album. There is no pretense or finger-pointing here—just a sincere lament that resonates deeply with the listener.
The soundscapes created in “Metro” are both expansive and claustrophobic. The album’s atmosphere is akin to a metaphysical hangover, with sweat piercing through skin pore by pore. This is music that makes you feel, transporting you to a world of crumbling ruins and asbestos-filled landscapes. It’s a journey through the call of emptiness, omnipresent in modern society for decades. Recorded in early 2023 at Studio Gloom in Chemnitz, “Metro” captures the essence of its environment. The production is honest and unpolished, allowing the instruments to breathe and the sound to remain authentic. L’appel Du Vide draws inspiration from the late seventies and early eighties British post-punk scene, but soon you’ll realize these folks are equally inspired by Detroit, Los, Angeles, and Portland scenes. This geographical blend enriches the album, giving it a diverse and eclectic feel. “Metro” concludes with a stark and haunting piano piece, reminiscent of Poison Idea’s “Feel the Darkness.” It’s a fitting end to a 37-minute journey that has taken the listener through a labyrinth of power, attitude, and void. The final image left is that of an old, grainy black-and-white photo of the sea, reflecting all colors—a metaphor for the depth and complexity of the album.
L’appel Du Vide has created a post-punk masterpiece that defies genre boundaries and delivers an uncompromising look into the human condition. It’s an album that sways more sincerely than any rehearsed performance, leading you away from the superficial and towards the blossoming flowers of true music love. With its raw emotion, powerful instrumentation, and honest production, “Metro” is an album worth checking out for any post-punk enthusiast. Head to It’s Eleven Records for more information about ordering this gem on vinyl.
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