Autonomy Saving Steel From Dust: A Post-Punk Gem That Still Kicks
Alright, let’s get into Autonomy Saving Steel From Dust, the 2008 release by Dau Al Set, a French band that somehow flew under my radar until now. It’s one of those albums where you can practically smell the sweat-drenched rehearsal space and feel the raw energy leaking out of every track. This is post-punk at its gritty best—no frills, no shiny production tricks, just straight-up rock with an edge sharp enough to cut glass.
First off, kudos to Serge Fabre on electric guitar. The dude knows how to make his instrument wail like it's got something to prove. And honestly? It kinda does. Released via Bang! Records (yes, twice because why not), this album doesn’t mess around when it comes to delivering punchy riffs and moody vibes. You’ve got 23 tracks here, which sounds excessive but trust me, they all bring their own flavor to the table. Let’s zoom in on two tracks that stuck with me.
"Play Premonition":
This one hits different. Right from the opening riff, there’s this eerie tension looming over everything, like walking through an abandoned factory late at night. The bassline slinks along like a shadow while the drums keep things tight, almost mechanical. Then there’s the vocals—they’re not trying too hard to be pretty, but that’s what makes them work so well. There’s a sense of urgency, like someone whispering secrets you’re not supposed to hear. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re hooked. I found myself humming it for days, even though I couldn’t quite figure out what the lyrics were saying. Maybe that’s part of the charm?
"Holocaust":
Now, this track takes things up a notch. If “Play Premonition” was brooding, then “Holocaust” is flat-out explosive. The guitar work here feels unhinged, like it could break loose at any moment. It reminded me of those chaotic moments in life when everything seems to spiral out of control—but instead of panicking, you kind of lean into it. There’s a relentless drive to this song, as if it refuses to let go until it’s dragged you through every emotion possible. When the breakdown hits midway, it’s like being dropped into the middle of a storm. Chaotic? Absolutely. But also strangely cathartic.
What really stands out about Autonomy Saving Steel From Dust is how unapologetically human it feels. These aren’t perfect songs; sometimes the vocals sound strained, or the mix gets a little muddy. But maybe that’s the point. In a world obsessed with polish and perfection, Dau Al Set reminds us that imperfection has its own beauty. They don’t need to try too hard—they just do their thing, and it works.
So yeah, listening to this album felt like stumbling across a hidden treasure chest buried deep in the sand. Sure, some tracks didn’t grab me as much as others, but overall, it left me wanting more. Funny enough, halfway through writing this review, I realized I’d been tapping my foot nonstop. Guess that’s what good music does—it sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Final thought? If you ever find yourself staring at your ceiling late at night wondering what happened to real rock music, give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up blasting it loud enough to wake the neighbors.
