Request: Another Fate - Chapter one (EP)

You can't hold back the Dirty South! Once again, I got asked to write about a band from Toulouse, France. Another Fate is a punk-rock three-piece from the "Ville Rose" ("Pink City"). 'Chapter one' is their first EP and contains five songs directly influenced by the softcore of the late 1990's and before.

The instrumental intro 'Dawn' is a very good foretaste, bringing us back to the older The Ataris records with its melodic yet sober riffs and pounding drums. All the songs have this kind of old-school feeling, which would make you think Another Fate are from the glorious Vagrant days era. Guitarist/singer Michael's voice makes me think a lot of Tony Cape (No Use For A Name) on certain moments. You know, this nasal and distant voice a lot of punk-rock singers have and that fits the genre perfectly. The tone is so much the same that 'Old friend' sounds like a No Use b-side. The choruses are melodic but not overly catchy and the compositions are all tight and temperate. But don't think they can't truly rock, the end of 'Fight for tomorrow' will prove you wrong, as the instruments race in a surprising and careful way, heavy riffs accompanying short and simple gang vocals. 'Shelter' is the fastest track on the EP, it could be orgcore and take them to the Fest if the vocals were more husky. The EP closer is an acoustic ballad featuring sweet notes but the singing is below the other songs, making it forgettable.

This kind of punk-rock, neat and soft, is a bit snubbed by French bands who seem to be attracted by simpler and more immediate compositions. It may be because Another Fate are older than most of them, which in this condition works in their favour. Thus, the three Toulousans can be proud to be one of the only ones to still carry this nostalgic sound.

3.5/5

Recommanded if you like:
No Use For A Name, Descendents, All
Check also:
Hamilton, North Lincoln, Your Own Fate

www.myspace.com/faterocks
(Self-released, 2009)