Those of us who have been eager for the return of beautiful, melancholic heaviness of grunge can officially rejoice, as French Trio Appollonia’s fourth full length release Dull Parade is set to satisfy every last miserable bone in your body. No matter whether you prefer deep and emotive lyrics or thunderous, chugging riffs, Dull Parade undoubtedly has some element for you to enjoy.
What makes Dull Parade such a unique and captivating listen is the way that Appollonia combine both heavy, intense guitars and aggressive vocals with much gentler and quiet sounds. Track six “Elizaberri” for example has a faster, more rock orientated opening that is then quickly juxtaposed with much gentler, more relaxing sounds. Another fantastic example of the variety of Dull Parade is the fourth track “Ammunitions Please” which begins with vast amounts of speed and energy before descending into a much calmer finish, with a wide variety of different vocal styles from aggressive shouts to softer, clean singing throughout.
In terms of influences, Appollonia easily draw comparisons with some of heavy rocks elite. There are strong Alice in Chains and Kyuss circa Blues for the Red Sun vibes throughout the album, especially on guitarist Vincent Mery’s delightful fretwork. As well as the golden era of grunge, Appollonia have also used more contemporary bands as obvious reference points throughout the album. Fifth track Everest is a very Mastodon-esque anthemic number with both catchy vocals, infectious riffs and an odd, serene, calming quality too. Appollonia have proved on Dull Parade that they’re more than capable of creating powerful and emotive music.
Dull Parade is definitely an album for those who are partial to some fabulous fretwork, as its pretty guitar heavy from start to finish. Vincent Mery demonstrates his sheer brilliance as a guitarist throughout the album, as he creates both groovy riffs and poignant, Jerry Cantrell-esque solos. Track seven, To Study Lips is a perfect example of this, with such commanding energy throughout.
Dull Parade is one powerful and fascinating album that will captivate all listeners. The album’s sheer heaviness and brilliant melancholic quality makes for one intense experience. If you’re a fan of the likes of Queens of the Stone Age, Alice in Chains and Mastodon, then you will have found your new favourite band in Appollonia. This is a band who have taken one of the greatest eras in alternative music and given it an invigorating contemporary twist. It appears as though the mighty grunge is finally getting the comeback it deserves.
(7/10 Eilish Foxen)
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