French Inhaler – Practiced Lines

When was the last time you heard some new music and thought how that particular album or a song immediately transports you back to the days when the music was fun, innovative, entertaining, yet it had so much to say? To be honest, it rarely happens to us, but every once in a while, we stumble upon music outlets that definitely push the boundaries of particular genres and deliver music that once ruled the airwaves, with a special twist along the way. Recently, French Inhaler blew us away with their debut single “TV Love.” It’s one of those songs that immediately gets into your ears and refuses to let go. Then they unleashed “Plastic Ocean,” a perfect follow-up that definitely proves these folks mean business with their music. The band also plans to release “Comet,” a catchy tune that flawlessly blends lush synths and profoundly melodic basslines in such a marvelous way, while the drums deliver immensely energetic and groovy beats. Not only are these three songs packed with everything we dearly love about post-punk and new wave music, but they also stand as perfect tasters of what you might expect from “Practiced Lines,” their highly anticipated full-length album slated for release on August 13th. Packed with nine exceptional compositions, this material will leave you speechless. Surely, French Inhaler fully stacked their debut with all the fundamental elements of post-punk and new wave music, but do not be surprised if you stumble upon some of the finest properties borrowed from synthwave, synth pop, indie pop, retro electronic music, and many other similar genres. These stylistic decisions are carefully and thoughtfully considered in each composition, serving as enhancements that might decorate or accentuate particular segments rather than occupying the entire song. French Inhaler not only thought about everything while writing, composing, and recording their songs, but somehow managed to deliver that hypnotic, addictive, irresistible sound of the eighties, all while applying modern sound production. It’s a treat for your ears you surely do not want to miss.

Each composition included on “Practiced Lines” could easily become the next big thing. French Inlaler are definitely hitmakers who undoubtedly know how to assemble tunes that will immediately resonate with even the pickiest listeners. “TV Love,” “Plastic Ocean,” and “Comet” exemplify their dedication to the craft,but the remainder of the material sounds equally good. It has a lot to do with how synths articulate throughout the entire material. It’s nearly impossible to pick up a song with the catchiest synth leads, themes, melodies, harmonies, pads, and other sonic maneuvers. Mentioned standalone singles: “American Dream,” “White Noise,” and “Concorde” definitely stand out, but each composition brings those sweet, memorable, hypnotic themes and leads to the table, forcing the listener to engage as a participant in this epic sonic voyage. Even the “Syntro,” an overture that gradually draws the listener into this post-punk/new wave whirlwind, has its own moments when you immediately know you’re in it for a treat. The band even nailed that recognizable eighties sound that many synthwave, synth pop, indie, post-punk, and electronic music artists and bands explored. The way synths articulate with all those unforgettable themes and ethereal, otherworldly pads creates such a luxuriant atmosphere that wraps around your listening apparatus and refuses to let go long after this album ends. But the story with the synths doesn’t stop here. Quite the contrary, it’s good to mention how this significant articulates with the bass guitar. Together they form the sonic alliance that keeps the guitar out of the equation entirely. These interplays are so thoughtfully considered, to the point you won’t miss guitar at all. You’ll hear how the bass guitar articulates in its own space by delivering another dosage of themes and melodies that sometimes do not even pair entirely with the synth works, but sound completely mindblowing. Instead of simply keeping the root notes and supporting synths in their explorations, these low-ends provide more melody, clarity, depth, and heaviness, supplying “Practiced Lines” tremendous warmth and power. And these basslines will definitely remind you of the genres French Inhaler explores throughout the entire material. For example, “TV Love,” “Plastic Ocean,” “Haunt You,” and “White Noise” immediately throw you into the eighties post-punk era, while “American Dream,” “Comet,” and “Middle Class” shine with everything you might expect from the new wave, synthwave, and synth pop music of the same era. You’ll also hear how the drummer perfectly keeps everything in time while dictating groove and pace with all those wisely arranged, flawlessly performed, well-accentuated rhythmic patterns. Each beat, break, fill, accentuation, and improvisation has its place and purpose here. The experienced drummer knows when to calm things down a little bit or when even some aggressive punk rock drumming might be a perfect choice to enhance the groove, energy, and dynamics of these songs. Last, but not least comes the vocal performance that unquestionably shines in the limelight. The vocal performance serves as a centerpiece here, contributing more melody and harmony over the top by balancing low, mid, and high notes with  precision and finesse. Besides all of that, the vocals contribute more emotional depth and complexity to these songs, making them catchy, lush, and beautiful. It perfectly suits all those synth and bassline melodies, creating an ambiance that definitely keeps listeners’ attention.

Without any doubt, French Inhaler have crafted a post-punk, new wave, synthwave album of the year. Not only do their standalone singles sound good, but the entire album shines with perfect songwriting. The band poured heart and soul into this material, working hard while writing, composing, arranging, and producing nine pieces that sound so mesmerizing and otherworldly, to the point you’ll gladly spin it all over again. “Practiced Lines” is one of those albums that, once you press play, immediately transports you to an entirely different era, a completely different realm, and keeps you floating around in an ethereal space where only beautiful vocal harmonies, lush synths, intricate basslines, and groovy beats exist. It’s a listening experience you surely do not want to miss. Pre-order the album HERE