No Bounds Tonight - Rock n' Roll HxC
French four-piece No Bounds Tonight stay true to the punk-rock ethos on their debut record "Rock n' Roll HxC". The 10-track album, which was released via the band's home-grown label N.B.T Records, is both exciting and energetic, and exhibits the quartet's spectacular sound.
Opening with self-titled song 'No Bounds Tonight', the fiery Frenchmen deliver a tune that is bursting with raspy vocals, rough and ready guitars and thunderous drumming. The band expertly incorporate the essential elements of their favourite genres – hardcore, punk and rock 'n' roll – into the terrific track and consequently offer the listener a marvellous mash-up of music.
Naturally the rest of the record follows suit, with charismatic songs such as 'Till The End' and 'Whisky, Cigarettes and Tattoos' flawlessly flaunting the group's diverse noise. Equally impressive is 'Worker's Song', with its rebellious tone – "Tomorrow belongs to you/workers this one is for you/don't give up/stand up and fight/fight for your right" – and fast-paced style, it is very reminiscent of influential punk band the Ramones.
However, it is unanticipated 'What Better Story?' that proves to be the most powerful of tunes on "Rock n' Roll HxC". The acoustic-driven track, which is dedicated to the quartet's families and friends, is marvellously mellow and features straightforward, but meaningful lyrics. The song truly emphasises how passionate the band are about creating music, with vocalist Keuk singing "Make music with some friends/always meant to be/punk-rock is in our hearts/what better story?"
No Bounds Tonight are a delicious concoction of styles and sounds, and mirror many musicians on their record including hardcore heroes Minor Threat and rock legend Bruce Springsteen. The DIY debut release from the French four-piece has everything you would hope to hear from a punk-rock group – lively and opinionated lyrics, a fantastic fusion of acoustic and electric guitars along with fast-paced drum beats. "Rock n' Roll HxC" is a superb start to what will hopefully be a long and successful career for the boisterous band.