The Brussels post-punk duo Partikul is well on its way to gaining a stronger following in the post-punk scene with their second full-length ‘Having Gone’, which was released on 1st September 2023. Their first release ‘Related Memories’ (October 2021), was also an absolutely smashing record and now gets a successor that maintains the same high quality level. Not every band has the ability to stay true to their roots, especially after having an already strong debut. Stef (vocals, guitar) and Aly (synths, programming, vocals) seem to breathe post-punk.
The ingredients are quite austere: a guitar twisted in some distortions, some basic synths that provide enjoyable basslines and a drum machine that does not even bother with complicated compositions. For me, the 'relative simplicity’, works. ‘Genocide’ spits out a sequence, which, supported by a psychedelic-like drum part, ditto synth melody and shoegaze guitar work, sends shivers deeply throughout your body. Stef's voice, which seems to come from quite a distance, immediately makes this opener a top song.
“If it works well, do it more” … is a quote from solution oriented therapeutic work. Well, it also works in music! ‘Straight White Line’ gets going with bone dry drums and a razor sharp bass, while Aly takes on the vocals. A voice that brings tragedy to the song. This is something what Partikul also has to offer, sometimes both sing like a duo and sometimes only one of them takes the lead vocals.
‘Take Your Hands Off Me' presents itself with more minimal vibes but is so nice and danceable. Halfway through it becomes a bit more Darkwave when the guitar takes on a roaring role.
Enough variation, tempo changes, sometimes loud, then more subdued. It makes it extremely enjoyable. ‘Stay’ is a primal post-punk song with a sound that could belong to the great masters a la Joy Division. Which is a compliment both ways on this one. Halfway there is a turn towards a heavier, even somewhat noisy sound. They do it all…
We don't need to add many words to ‘Sex Me’. The song sounds like its title. Vocally, Aly takes it in every direction. Even screaming, which also sounds a bit more piercing coming from Aly than from anyone else. Blessed!
Again some Darkwave with ‘Nothing Good In Me’. Nice groovy song. ‘Fascist Sons’ is a strong lash out at the type of sons who are not really loved. ‘X.T.C’. is the closing song. Here again a different sound. Howling, howling synths in the front, the guitars threateningly on the attack. For 5 minutes, melancholy triumphs.
Partikul does not surprise with this album. They confirm! To pay tribute to everything that is beautiful and good about post-punk. Convincing, averse to compromise. They sound unique in their own way. The two of them do it. 'Just like that'... and believe me, I've had the opportunity to see them live three times: they effortlessly captivate you. Even catchier than on the records. Play it loud, play it continuously.