Démo 85 by Bunker 84: A Raw Oi! and Hard Rock Punch from France
Alright, let’s talk about Démo 85 by Bunker 84. Released in 2017 under the label Martel En Tête, this French rock album is a gritty mix of Oi! energy and hard-hitting hard rock vibes. It doesn’t try to be fancy or overproduced—it’s raw, unfiltered, and straight-up honest. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The album kicks off with sixteen tracks that dive into themes like rebellion, camaraderie, and frustration—stuff that feels real and relatable if you’ve ever been pissed off at the world (haven’t we all?). Tracks like “Pense Un Peu…” and “Le Dernier Recours (Revolution)” are the ones I can’t get outta my head. Let me tell ya why.
“Pense Un Peu…” starts off kinda slow, almost like it’s luring you in. Then BAM—it hits you with this punchy guitar riff and vocals dripping with attitude. The lyrics feel like a wake-up call, urging you to think for yourself instead of just following the herd. It’s not preachy though; more like a buddy shaking you by the shoulders saying, “Yo, snap outta it!” There’s something about its simplicity that sticks. No frills, no fluff—just pure, rebellious honesty.
Then there’s “Le Dernier Recours (Revolution).” This one’s got an anthemic vibe, like it’s made for shouting along with your mates while raising fists in solidarity. The chorus is catchy as hell, but what really gets me is the passion behind it. You can tell these guys mean every word they’re singing. It’s not just another song about revolution—it’s a battle cry, full of fire and grit. If you’re looking for a track that’ll pump you up on a bad day, this is it.
Other standouts include “Nouvelle Generation,” which feels like a rallying call for young folks tired of the status quo, and “Dans Le Port D’Amsterdam…,” which has this moody, storytelling vibe that pulls you in. But honestly, the whole album flows pretty well. None of the songs feel like filler—they each bring their own flavor to the mix.
What’s cool about Démo 85 is how unapologetically French it feels. From the slang-heavy lyrics to the rough-around-the-edges production, it’s clear Bunker 84 isn’t trying to appeal to mainstream crowds. They’re making music for people who dig authenticity over polish. And hey, if you’re into bands like Trust or even early-era Ruts, you’ll probably vibe with this.
So yeah, Démo 85 might not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a solid record that reminds you why rock ‘n’ roll matters—it speaks to the heart (and sometimes the gut) without sugarcoating anything. Plus, listening to it makes me wanna grab a beer, find some friends, and yell about life for a bit. Isn’t that kinda the point?
Oh, and here’s a random thought before I wrap this up: Did anyone else notice how “Fleur De Lys” sneaks in this weirdly hopeful note amidst all the chaos? Like, maybe things aren’t totally screwed after all. Or maybe I’m reading too much into it because I had coffee instead of wine while writing this review. Who knows? Either way, check out Démo 85. It’s worth your time.
