https://bastringue.fr/pluto-creve-chemin-neuf-interview-exclusive
Pluto Crevé - Chemin Neuf: The Exclusive Interview
Pluto Crevé. The name is excellent, and the band is equally so. I've listened to everything since their early releases, seen them in concert, and embraced it all. I've even recorded a cover, just to show you how much I love it. And now, those crafty scoundrels from Reunion Island are releasing a new album. So, let's talk about it. Oh yeah, we're definitely going to talk about it. With them.
The Early Days of Pluto Crevé
Laurent: Let's start with a bit of history... When and how did Pluto Crevé begin?
JL, bassist of Pluto Crevé: Pluto Crevé started in July 2012. At that time, Marko and JL were already part of the anarcho-punk band The Circle-A, playing guitar and drums, respectively (with Lulu on bass and Penny on vocals). This project was their baby, but they also wanted to create something heavier, more hardcore.
That's when Ienien came into the picture. He was a close friend of the band and also lived with JL. He was a drummer and motivated to be a part of this new project. The first rehearsal took place in JL's practice room at home, and the chemistry was immediate, resulting in their first composition, which later became the song "Petit enfant des bois."
From that point on, rehearsals and songwriting continued, with one composition coming together during each practice. However, none of the members could sing (especially while playing). So, they decided to use "yaourt" (French for "yogurt") vocals, a humorous term meaning they would sing nonsensical sounds instead of actual lyrics. As the rehearsals alternated between The Circle-A and Pluto Crevé, Lulu quickly became a fan of Pluto's compositions and eventually joined the band as the lead vocalist before the end of 2012.
Julien, drummer of Pluto Crevé: I was the last dog to stick its nose into Pluto's bowl, and it took just one concert for me to realize that this gang was born for rock and roll. I was in the audience, and I remember thinking, "Damn, if I have to sit on an improbable stool and furiously beat on innocent drums, it's with a band like this that I'd like to do it." The quartet was solid, and behind the drums was Yainyain. It never even crossed my mind that I could join the pack. But then Yainyain had to leave Reunion Island, and we had to find a replacement for him. Lulu, our beloved "frontman maximus," with whom I also played guitar in Rocksteady Sporting Club, asked me if I wanted to be part of the adventure, and I think I said yes. It was a bit risky considering my background. I was more of a gentle drummer, more into Funk Rock Fusion than Punk Hardcore. But hey, "engagez-vous" as they say! For commitment, well, I was served.
Pluto Crevé's New Album, "Chemin Neuf," Set to Release on August 1, 2023
Laurent: From the beginning, Pluto Crevé has remained true to its DNA, as the new album sounds genuinely punk hardcore. How would you describe the band's musical evolution, the journey that led to this new record?
JL: In 2015, the band lost its drummer, Ienien, who had to move to mainland France. It was a tough blow, but it led to Julien joining the band the following year, bringing a different touch with his fusion drumming experience. That's one of the reasons behind the album's name, "Chemin Neuf" (New Path), as it represents a new album exploring new avenues while staying true to our roots (after all, we can't change who we are).
J: The music we create must speak to our musician bodies, our organs, and guts. Pluto, I believe, always works towards producing something organic, sensory, and instinctive. The brain guides us, of course, but it sets the framework, and nothing but reasonable instinct, the idea that we're doing the right thing, validates our choices. We always progress towards the most suitable musicality for our punk and hardcore aesthetics. I think that's a principle common to all creative attempts.
JL: Some of our recent compositions are a bit less aggressive than our early works, with more intros, some calmer passages, less tense, but others remain true to our hardcore roots. So, overall, the music tends more towards hardcore than our early punk days.
Since the band's inception, we also invested in an electronic pad that allows Lulu, our singer, to trigger samples during our live performances. We use it mainly to create atmospheres and sometimes add rhythmic elements to certain songs. You'll find some of these samples in the album as well. We don't overuse them, but they certainly contribute to the evolution of our compositions.
It's worth noting that the album includes some old compositions (from 2013), which had never been recorded before, as well as some recent ones. So, the album somewhat traces the band's history over the past 10 years. We started working on this album after returning from our European tour at the end of 2019, but the Covid-19 pandemic significantly delayed its creation. However, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it gave us the opportunity to create two new compositions, "Boom" and "Homme Blanc," which ended up on the album.
Pluto Crevé presents its new album, "Chemin Neuf," on vinyl.
Laurent: This more refined aspect struck me during my initial listens to the album. The production seems to follow the same path, and it deserves some attention. The vocals and intonations fit perfectly with the theme; there's nothing to criticize, it works incredibly well. The guitar sound is entirely convincing, classic, thick as desired, and effective: one can imagine a Gibson plugged into a Marshall, and there's not much more to ask for. The bass is just as effective, sharp and well-placed; exactly what you expect from a bass guitar. The drum sound stands out a bit more, notably because the overheads are pronounced. This artistic choice brings in a Metal/Thrash vibe that suits the songs on "Chemin Neuf" really well. How did you record and produce the album?
JL: This is our first full-length album, as our first release was a split with ChuX BolloX in 2018. From the beginning, we wanted to work on the sound to achieve something that pleased us and represented the essence of what we wanted to produce, serving the compositions in the best way possible.
After our return from the tour at the end of 2019, we were on fire, having the songs down pat, and enough resources to afford two days of recording. We counted on upcoming shows to finance the production and pressing of the album.
We chose to record at Oasis Studio in Saint-Louis, Reunion Island. This studio, established in 1984, has a significant history in the music scene of Reunion Island and the Indian Ocean, and the facilities were suitable for our project. We enlisted our friend sound engineer Brice Nauroy for recording and mixing.
The plan was to record live, with the instruments in a large room, amps separated, and vocals in another room.
J: Brice Nauroy didn't come from the punk culture at all. So, he had to immerse himself in it, take some risks, and rely on his experience with other music styles. That being said, I agree that this album marks an evolution in production. Regarding the drums, I would say it's more "Thrash" than "Metal." I definitely don't have a "Metal style" of playing: no double pedal, no trigger that gives a plastic sound to the kick drums. In the end, it produces something "fat" but still punk. As for the prominent overheads, I think it's the hi-hat that takes up some space to maintain the rhythmic link.
JL: The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted our plans with lockdowns, curfews, and so on. But it allowed us to add two additional compositions, resulting in recording not 10 but 12 tracks in two days. That was already quite a challenge, but technical issues at the studio on the first day resulted in us having only one good take of a song. So, we had to record 11 tracks on the second day, and that's exactly what we did.
As our activity on stage decreased due to the pandemic, it took us quite some time to raise the funds for the rest of the project. We did a recording session for a second guitar and then one for backing vocals. Afterward, we organized a show with several supporting bands, which allowed us to start the mixing process at the end of 2022. After some adjustments, we achieved the sound we were looking for, punchy yet with each instrument distinguishable and good dynamics.
Next, we turned to Disvlar Studio in France for mastering. They cover many musical styles that influence us, and their work was incredibly efficient! Thanks, Steph Tanker!
All of this brought us to the pressing stage, which we did in Reunion Island at Runrun Records.
Pluto Crevé in the studio Photo Credit: Mikael Thuillier: https://www.facebook.com/son.en.images
Laurent: You mentioned financing, a crucial aspect of any studio project. Can you tell us more about it?
JL: The Covid-19 pandemic didn't make things any easier for us. Some labels we had previously worked with were stuck, with their stocks immobilized due to the absence of concerts, which limited their investment capacity for new projects. Besides, some labels offered to participate, but they only wanted to invest in physical duplication, which is far from the most substantial investment needed—recording and mixing being the major expenses. So, we decided to self-produce the entire project from start to finish. The scarcity of rock venues in Reunion Island also didn't help us raise funds for this production (thanks to Zinc and La Cerise, by the way).
Laurent: The album is being released on physical media, which is not so common these days! What formats will be available?
JL: The album will be released on vinyl only, as a 33 RPM 180g LP, and also as a digital version.
J: Personally, I can't really conceive of an album release without at least a few vinyl copies. Perhaps it's because I'm "old-school," but I also love the format. The artwork gains meaning, and I never tire of the sacred ritual: taking the album out of its sleeve, respectfully wiping it, gently placing it on the turntable, and carefully lowering the needle. Then, you must wait a few seconds to enter the universe that opens its doors to you.
Without judging current listening practices, an album is an intention that the order of songs and sides conveys. So, just for that, I want a 33 RPM vinyl. Anyway, I'll also have the MP3 or other digital formats for making my own playlists.
Laurent: I fully share that point of view. An album is like a milestone in a band's life, and what better way to mark it with panache than with a vinyl release! How will the record be distributed?
JL: The record will primarily be sold by us at our concerts. Thus, its official release will be on August 1st, the first date of our European tour in 2023. Additionally, our friends from Mass Prod and Bourre-pif Records will also distribute a few copies.
Pluto Crevé Presents Its New Album During a European Tour
Laurent: I can only imagine the excitement for those who will discover the album live; it promises some fantastic evenings! Do you already have the list of tour dates and venues?
JL: We still have one date to confirm, but the rest is in place, and it's going to be an awesome tour. We'll be crossing Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany before ending with two dates in France, the last one being at the Crusty Fest, where we'll meet many friends: Human Dogfood, Anticlockwise, and others.
The updated list of tour concerts is available on Pluto Crevé's official website.
Laurent: Well, I can only wish you an excellent tour. It's going to be wild!
Stay updated on Pluto Crevé's news on Facebook and their official website, and listen to their music on YouTube and SoundCloud!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lazy O Photos for the main illustration photo for this article.
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