Belfast trio with potential
Putting any expectations of a death metal aside, given the dodgy name, The Betes Noires turn out to the be a pleasant surprise and a decent listen. A guitar rock trio from Belfast, this CD is a collection of tracks from the three EPs they've released so far in the two years since their formation. And it is an assortment of songs with potential.
Like other great power trios, there's a certain tightness that comes from being a three-piece and those three people being responsible for all the sound that comes out of the speaker. The attempts to sound bigger than the instruments they play is evident.
The most recent tracks recorded, in September 04, show a marked improvement in the quality of the songs from the earlier material on display here (recorded a year earlier). Tracks like 'My Political Friend' show with the right direction, plenty of motivation and dash of luck, The Betes Noires (French for 'pet-hates') could really take off. So whilst they kick out and rock like the Foo Fighters or country mates Ash and Therapy?, songs likes 'Visceral Path' are almost like The (International) Noise Conspiracy in their execution and delivery.
'Janet Puritanic' has a hint of the Manic Street Preachers about it, and 'Show Of Strength' is undeniably U2-esque, brooding indie rock. The Betes Noires have a knack of taking the best of the big modern rock bands and distilling those elements into their own music, a talent that'll take them places in the near future.
All the songs on this compilation are available to download from the band's website (www.betesnoires.com) or they'll send you a free CD if you email your address to info@betesnoires.com. So, what are you waiting for?