Catching Bad Temper by Puts Marie: A Swiss Sonic Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s cut to the chase—Catching Bad Temper is one of those albums that sneaks up on you like a caffeinated squirrel. Released in 2018 by Swiss rockers Puts Marie, this gem straddles the line between Pop/Rock, Alternative, and good ol’ Alternative Rock with style. It’s raw, it’s punchy, and at times, it feels like your headphones are having a heated argument with themselves. But hey, isn’t that what great music does? Keeps you guessing?
The album drops some serious bangers, but let’s zoom in on two tracks that stuck to my brain like gum under a desk: “Indian Girl” and “Garibaldi.”
First off, “Indian Girl”—this track hits different. Right from the opening riff, it’s clear these guys aren’t here to play it safe. The guitar work has this swaggering confidence, like it just walked into a room full of cooler-than-thou hipsters and said, “Watch me.” The vocals have an almost conversational vibe, as if the singer’s leaning over the bar telling you a story about heartbreak and redemption—or maybe curry? Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what the lyrics mean (something about cultural appropriation?), but damn if they don’t sound cool while doing it. This song demands repeat listens, partly because you want to figure out its secrets and partly because it slaps.
Then there’s “Garibaldi,” which might be the most fun you can legally have without leaving your couch. Imagine throwing spaghetti against a wall while someone plays air guitar in the background—that chaotic energy? Yeah, that’s “Garibaldi.” The track builds layer upon layer until it feels like you’re inside a kaleidoscope made of sound. There’s a moment midway through where everything drops out except for this haunting little synth line—it’s so unexpected it practically gave me whiplash. By the end, you’re left wondering whether you just witnessed genius or a happy accident. Either way, it works.
One thing worth noting is how Catching Bad Temper doesn’t try too hard to impress. Instead, it lets its quirks shine loud and proud. Sure, there are moments when things get a bit messy (looking at you, repeated versions of “C’mon”), but honestly, that adds to the charm. It’s like hanging out with a friend who’s hilarious but occasionally forgets their own jokes—they’re still awesome company.
Puts Marie teamed up with Two Gentlemen Records and Haldern Pop Recordings for this release, which makes sense given the eclectic mix of sounds. Switzerland may not be the first place you think of when it comes to rocking out, but after listening to this album, maybe it should be.
So, would I recommend Catching Bad Temper? Absolutely. It’s fresh, unpredictable, and unapologetically itself. Listening to it feels like finding a twenty-dollar bill in an old jacket—you didn’t know you needed it, but now you’re glad it exists.
Final thought: If Puts Marie ever decides to tour, I hope they serve fondue at the merch table. Just saying.
