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Nightwatchers – "Common Crusades" (Lövely Records, 2021)

The French Hardcore scene is enormous, and spreads throughout the country, which is amazing! This leads to a variety of sounds and approaches to the genre, making it, in my opinion, one of the most exciting Hardcore scenes in the World. These chaps are the perfect example of exquisite music from outside the capital: Toulose is the place, and Punk is the game.

Nightwatchers have been around since… actually I have no idea, but do not see it as a mandatory information, for their music – and their music's content – speaks much louder than dates. 

The other day, while spinning this amazing release, I started thinking on how to label such a band. The label "Punk" sounds very scarce and not a complete description of the band's sound, but who am I to say otherwise… and the label Punk does not come as an insult, no, no, no! The thing is, their music sounds so fresh, so different, so capable of fitting a Punk bill, as well as a more Pop one, being transversal to more sounds and musical creations. Nevertheless, take it as Punk if you may.

I first came to know them through "La Paix Ou Le Sable", from 2019, and immediately got hooked on their music! It has that French personality that I love so much, it is melodic and sweet, modern yet classic… it is France, and we all know France has that je ne sais quoi, vrai?! Then we have the core message of their art: their music is not just music; these gentlemen truly use music as a vehicle of political and social awareness.

"Common Crusades" is their new release, via Lövely Records, and is one of the best records to come out in 2021, and I told you I would miss one or two… but this one is unpardonable. My sincere apologies. "Common Crusades" carries on from where "La Paix…" ended. Remarkable melodic hooks, a sense of modernity while still holding on to Old School Punk riffs. Perfect fusion, right?

Next step is to finally send a few questions over to Toulose, and inquire them on French History, Social, and Political opinions. Nonetheless, check the following link for an excellent interview from the good people over at Idioteq:

Idioteq - Nightwatchers (Interview)

What more? Nothing, I reckon. Head over to the band's social media, check their music, send them love, questions, and cakes (or fromage)! They deserve it.





 

 

 

 

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