Classic post-punk rhythms and shimmering synth-pop textures define Chicago trio FRENCH INHALER‘s debut album PRACTICED LINES, where live bass and drums meet electronic precision. The album explores emotional disconnection, digital personas, and contemporary alienation, balancing early-’80s influences with a modern perspective throughout its cohesive full-length.
The aptly titled “SYNTRO” opens the album with a synth-forward mystique, weaving spoken-word intrigue (referencing Charles Bukowski) and simmering electronics. Punchy rhythms appear just prior to its conclusion, before easing seamlessly into the ensuing “TV LOVE.” There, shimmering synths and a jangling post-punk guitar expression meld beautifully. “People stuck in backgrounds, you’re reaching out, you’re reaching out,” they deliver, followed by a delectably hooky “I found love on a television tonight” proclamation. The track dazzles in its mixture of post-punk rhythmic precision and effervescent synth injections.
Another riveting track, “HAUNT YOU” swells with vibrant synth maneuvers and a solemn post-punk bass entrancement, sounding like a lovable cross of New Order and The Associates. The ascent to the “light in your attic” observations is gripping, as the track shifts seamlessly between “it will haunt you” ghostliness and more expressive builds. Elsewhere, “MIDDLE CLASS” fuses twinkling keys and buzzy synths amidst laments of potentially watching “myself grow old” and being stuck in a class-bound rut. Heavy guitar pulses and magnetic synths intertwine for another replay-inducing success. Full of memorable post-punk rhythms and melodic synth work, PRACTICED LINES is a fantastic full-length from FRENCH INHALER.
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