SCHØØL‘s debut single N.S.M.L.Y.D. (reviewed by me here) was a stunning introduction to the Paris-based band with members from as far afield as France, Australia and the US, and they are back with new single ‘The End’ which proves the debut was no fluke.
I had written that the band adroitly channeled bands like Fontaines D.C. and Horsegirl – a genetic code taken directly from The Velvet Underground and distilled with a little My Bloody Valentine and The Jesus and Mary Chain, cloaked in a louche insouciance, a rough and tumble exterior and sweet melodies.
‘The End’ continues down this path with its raw visceral guitars and gentle pop melodies that skate across the surface: a reflective and laconic delivery. It cements this band as something quite special: brim full of black-leather jacketed cool, standing in Doc Marten boots with a louche sneer. It’s utterly brilliant stuff that preserves the very soul of scuzzy rock’n’roll.
The band says of the track:
‘The End’ is actually a sad song about someone who no longer sees themself fitting in to modern society. They would take their own life but they can’t help and still have «a little feeling» for it. If you’ve watched the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion you’ll know what I mean.
The track comes with a suitably chaotic and immersive video directed by Francis Mallari and Ludovic Azemar, filmed last summer by Ludovic Azémar, who followed the band with his camera in a short trip to Berlin where Alex the drummer lives. They can be seen playing in Alex’s living room and walking around Hasenheide parc with Lotta the dog. Unfortunately not all members could make it to Berlin, which is why Jack (guitar) appears on a laptop screen. Title design was made on a Nintendo DS.
‘The End’ is out now through French label Géographie and is taken from the upcoming SCHØØL’s debut album coming out early 2025. You can download and stream via all the usual sites and through the link below.
SCHØØL was formed in Paris in fall 2023 led by Francis Mallari (Rendez-Vous) with Erica Ashleson (Special Friend, Dog Park) on bass, Jack Moase (Liquid Face) on guitar and Alex Battez (Marble Arch) on drums.
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