Photo: at_pacalo
Last November (21), Catalogue (Marseille) released their new album INDEX through Ganache Records (which is also the prelude to their next album), the French band that is not only a pleasant note in the post-punk genre but also this trio that approaches post-punk with the most innocent, angular, and ‘underground’ gaze.
Following their last album “Modern Delusion” (2023), their new record INDEX offers strong emotions and sometimes frantic dancing, wherever you are, with the characteristic immediacy of a band that shows great talent in understanding when the ‘gig’ ends and how it begins. 10 tracks (including 3 remixes from Mumuse, Yann Usken, and Holly Boot Reed) that don’t fiddle around between rails at all, but propose…new old punk, or if you want post-punk, as it is at its core, and obviously in their core too, their new album is impossible to ignore; it captivates the ears.
In INDEX LP I listened to post-punk, which is punk that is also a little indie, but completely unlike another fashion ‘salad’, but like something that exists out there and in many bands that listen to their own music without any wrapping. Catalogue are playing their songs like a direct shot towards us all, as their music and style are direct, resulting in a band that is very well-tuned among themselves.
photo at_pacalo
The band plays music that conveys truths, and every one of their songs—past and present—reflects this. It captivates my interest not only because I enjoy it immensely, but also because it illustrates the true direction this music should pursue: Immediacy is the key to all of this. Listening to the album feels like being at a live gig of the band, which is incredibly important and genuine. I have immense respect for all the bands that can put that atmosphere in their albums. Ultimately, if you ask them about it, they will likely respond, “Well, that’s the only way we know how to do it.”
Post-punk relies on human involvement, and while some musicians may incorporate ‘machines’, it’s important to note that if the ‘machine’ surpasses the human element, we’re no longer discussing post-punk music. Catalogue is a regular band that rehearses together. My wish is for this music to be played by people coming together to create songs. Catalogue from France not only aligns with this vision but also embodies it through our speakers.
Here we go, here is the new “INDEX” LP by Catalogue via Ganache Records!!!
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Written by Mike D.
