Album Review: "These Days" by MC Viper – A Raw, Unfiltered Rock Experience
MC Viper’s These Days is a wild ride through punk and garage rock territory. Hailing from France, this album doesn’t try to be perfect or overly polished—it leans into its grittiness with pride. Released under the Not On Label banner, it feels like an underground gem that refuses to conform. The credits alone tell you this was a labor of love, with David Carquet pulling triple (or quadruple?) duty on guitar, bass, artwork, and sleeve design. Fanch Rouge handles vocals and composition while also stepping into the role of MC Viper himself. It’s clear these guys weren’t just making music—they were building something raw and personal.
The album kicks off strong with “Spiderwoman’s Kiss,” a track that immediately grabs your attention. There’s no slow burn here—just straight-up energy. The guitars are crunchy, almost snarling, and Fanch Rouge’s vocal delivery has this untamed edge that makes you feel like he’s shouting right at you. What sticks out most is how infectious the chorus is; even after one listen, it lingers in your head for hours. You can practically picture sweaty mosh pits forming around this tune. It’s rebellious but fun—a reminder of why we all fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll in the first place.
Another standout is “Mission To Rock’N’Roll.” If you’ve ever wondered what pure adrenaline sounds like, this might be it. The song barrels forward with relentless drums courtesy of Titou, who doubles as both drummer and backing vocalist. Lyrically, it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s about embracing the chaos and power of rock music itself. But honestly? That simplicity works. When Stanley Lubrik and co. join in on the performance, there’s this sense of camaraderie that shines through. It’s less about technical perfection and more about capturing the spirit of live shows where anything could happen—and usually does.
What really ties everything together is Valentin Goy’s mastering touch and Fanchig’s mixing skills. They give the record a cohesive sound without smoothing out its rough edges. And let’s not forget Dr Schlong, Gary Homicide, Tom Phantom, and The Duke—all adding their unique flair to the mix. This isn’t just an album; it’s a collaborative effort that feels chaotic yet intentional.
Reflecting on These Days, I’m struck by how unapologetically French it feels despite fitting snugly into global punk and garage rock traditions. Maybe it’s the DIY ethos or the boldness to embrace imperfections. Whatever it is, it works.
Unexpectedly, though, the thing I’ll remember most isn’t any specific lyric or riff—it’s the vibe. Listening to this album feels like crashing a house party where everyone knows each other except you. At first, you’re unsure if you belong, but by the end, you’re raising a glass and singing along anyway. Cheers to MC Viper for reminding us that sometimes, the best moments come when you stop overthinking and just let the music take over.
