PALES shatter boundaries with Crush
French rock outfit PALES has returned with Crush, their second EP, now out via No Wave At Sea.
Produced by: PALES
Following their 2022 debut, In Our Hands?, the band takes a fearless leap into new sonic terrain, shedding their post-punk roots in favor of an abrasive, high-energy fusion of industrial, noise, and pop. Clocking in at a taut 25 minutes, Crush is a raw and unrelenting experience that embodies its name—both the force of destruction and the fleeting intensity of desire.
From the outset, Crush is an assault on the senses. ‘Piece of Meat’ and ‘Uppercut’ waste no time establishing the EP’s tone with hammering basslines, frenetic guitars, and vocalist Célia Souarit’s fierce spoken-word delivery. These opening tracks set a relentless pace, dripping with urgency and sweat. The band fully embraces the chaos, crafting a sonic landscape where each element battles for dominance yet remains meticulously controlled.
The EP’s production, helmed at Studio La Turbine in 2024, ensures that every sound is as sharp as broken glass. Mixed by Clément Adolff and mastered by Benoit Bel, the recording captures the band’s visceral energy with precision, amplifying the sheer intensity of their performance.
While aggression is the driving force of Crush, PALES also weave in moments of dark, off-kilter pop sensibility, making the record not just a brutalist statement, but a dynamic and unpredictable listen. Their evolution from post-punk to this unhinged yet refined sonic identity marks a bold reinvention, proving PALES are unafraid to break barriers in pursuit of their sound.
In all, Crush refuses to be tamed. It’s a soundtrack to destruction and desire in equal measure. If their debut hinted at potential, Crush sees a band willing to push themselves and their audience to the limits.
Standout Songs: ‘Piece of Meat,’ ‘Uppercut,’ and ‘1518.’
Release Date: February 7
7.7
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