I’m not going to pretend I know any French, but I can tell you that the rhythm of the language is perfect for Les Lullies. Mauvaise Foi (“Bad Faith,” according to google), begins with the title track, a barn burning guitar rocker with big licks and a repetitive chorus in 4/4 time. It’s immediately familiar in that garage rock way, but sounds fresh in the way that only this genre can pull off (time after time). “Mauvaise Foi” is a good tone setter and fitting title too, as the rest of the record is high energy, play-it-loud rock ‘n’ roll -- even if you have no idea what they’re singing about.
The record is the band’s second. It has 10 songs in total and it goes back and forth between songs with swagger, like the opener or “Soiree Standard” aor “Animal,” and more hook-driven songs like “Pas de Regrests.” Naturally, those two concepts meet in the middle for some of the more radio-friendly power-poppy jams, like “When You Walk In The Room,” one of a few English tracks. The bass takes over on “Ville Musee” and the drums steal the show in “Zero Ambition.” From time to time you get some sunny melodies and bright psych guitar tones tastefully sneaking through.
It’s easy to picture the Ramones while listening, but with some Mick Jagger lewdness. Bad Sports may be my closest contemporary comparison. Take the Ramones’ grimy fundamental rock and the primal attitude from the Rolling Stones and throw in some 13th Floor Elevators and perhaps a live grenade and you’ve got Mauvaise Foi.
