Etron Fou Leloublan, Face Aux Elements Dechaines (side A)

1985's Face Aux Elements Dechaines marks the end of Etron Fou's 10 years of record-making. All of their albums hint at rock music, but this one actually sounds, at some level, like rock music. They're a trio playing structured songs, focusing on organ/bass/drums, and singing over them. The recording also overtly references the rock and new wave sounds of 1985. At the same time, Face Aux Elements Dechaines could not be further from a rock album. The vocal melodies don't reference any rock tradition and definitely do not resolve. The rhythms are jagged and jarring, even as they provide emotionally accessible flow. The cover art fits the album perfectly—it's unclear whether it's meant to be disturbing or approachable.