Sid Le Rock - Tout Va Bien

Written by Youri Jozee

Album Review

Sid Le Rock returns with Tout Va Bien -his first artist album in four years- on the mighty Shitkatapult label.  Sid’s filthy electro-rock has always had this dark vibe, and in that sense, his new album isn’t any different. Still worth raiding Beatport for? Here's our review.

Sid’s always been a fan of combining electro and techno to screaming guitars, but that doesn’t mean he’s going all robotic on our asses like a fusion of the aforementioned often tends to. Sid doesn’t shy away from leaving out a personal touch, which partly explains the fact that he has called his album Tout Va Bien (“Everything Is Fine”, check out its ironic cover), right after he got out of bankruptcy due to the demise of his Ladomat label. Anyway, let’s get to the music. The album opens deceivingly laidback with the IDM-esque electronic on Chaos For The Aftermath, an intriguing mash of synth-layers and pitch black sound waves.  Swollen Member then slowly builds up to what we were expecting: merciless, big room electro with a vibe that at some points reminisces of The Hacker (earlier in his career), Tomcraft and Zombie Nation.  Tracks such as Pow Wow, La Guidoune and Applebottom reveal Sid’s diverse taste in electronic music.

Although each track is marked by staccato electro beats and machine percussion, Sid manages to create a steady balance between straight-on stompers and organic (!) electro house. Any weak moments? Yes, the biggest one comes in the form of Walk Alone, which sounds like a draft version with randomly placed synth keys and somewhat cheesy, uninspired vocals. Luckily, tunes such as the EVIL Incliner (with its menacing bass elements and constantly-changing beat loops) and the made-for-the moshpit-track Slainte Mhor definitely do the business, not to mention the fact that they will shake the wall of any club, any time.

Final verdict: Sid Le Rock delivers a solidly produced album that balances on the fine lines between steroid house, electro-punk, mid-tempo techno and electronic rock. And although this sounds might not immediately trigger the ‘wow’-effect in 2010, Sid’s cuts convince due to their diversity, catchiness, rawness, and standout mastering. All in all a very enjoyable album made for headbanging and/or roadtesting your new car on a deserted four-lane speedway.

Rating: 7.0/10
Label: Shitkatapult
Release date: June 25th, 2010

Sid Le Rock - Tout Va Bien tracklist:

1. Chaos For The Aftermath
2. Swollen Member
3. PowWow
4. Still Life (Free download)
5. La Guidoune
6. Applebot tom
7. Walk Alone
8. Incliner
9. Slainte Mhor
10. Durch Dick Und Duenn
11. Made For You