Béton Armé – Au Bord Du Gouffre
Primator Crew / Oi! The Boat Records
Over two years have passed since Montreal’s own Béton Armé debuted with their hard-hitting, self-titled cassette for LSC Records. Needless to say that it has been a while, but considering the fact that this five-track tape was an absolute scorcher, I’d like to emphasize one last time that it indeed has been a while. The least some label could have done is release that cassette on vinyl, right? Right.
Now despite that I still believe that this should be done sooner than later, there’s always one thing that is better than a re-release – at least you would hope so – and that is something completely new! With the release of “Au Bord Du Gouffre” that is exactly what the Canadian powerhouse is giving us and in Béton Armé’s case – that is definitely better than a re-release!
Released by Primator Crew in Europe and through Oi! The Boat Records in the USA there’s one notable difference between the two versions – and that is the format. Sure, both labels released this fairly brilliant EP on vinyl, but where Primator Crew released it on 7” vinyl (500 copies), Oi! The Boat Records pressed all four songs on one side of a 12” (250 copies), while a screenprint adorns the blank flipside. So take your pick, just keep in mind that you’ll never make the wrong decision – because the music will rip just as hard on either version!
As mentioned, “Au Bord Du Gouffre” contains four new songs including the title-track, “Mythomane”, “Crucifiés” and “La Vie”. Delivered with force, Béton Armé cranks out their powerful sound with big beats, killer melodies, rough vocals and massive sing-alongs – easily delivering their best work to date! Therefor the band’s vinyl debut is an absolute no-brainer for those who like their Oi! French and loud. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t? Exactly, e-v-e-r-y-f-u-c-k-i-n-g-o-n-e does!
So pick this up along with Force Majeure’s “Encore Debout” EP and you have two of the best EP’s Canada has to offer this year in one buy – score! ‘Nuff said.
