In the wake of their celebrated first album, ‘Sustained Resistance,’ Maelstrom and Louisahhh are back with their sophomore album, ‘May the Rage Burn a Path for Joy (Bangers).’ This latest instalment is more than a simple rehash of earlier tunes; it captures the evolution of their sound from the introspective angst of their debut to a fervour that is both raw and exultant, influenced in great part by the vibrancy of their live shows. Offering a glimpse into what’s to come, the duo premiere the stirring single ‘Friction (Provocation).’
The album takes beloved tracks to new heights, as evidenced by ‘Let the Night’ — a fresh blend of Bromance classics ‘Let the Beat Control Your Body’ and ‘Nightclubbing.’ Where once was Louisahhh’s velvety techno narrations, now roars an untamed energy atop Maelstrom’s formidable rhythmic experimentation. Reworkings of ‘Fan the Flame’ and ‘America’ from their 2023 release pivot from reflective longing to a forceful confrontation, driven by a relentless four-to-the-floor beat.
‘Friction (Provocation)’ is an updated, high-octane version of our original track, ‘Friction’, that was released as a single on Bromance Records in 2015. This version includes references to the older version, whose lyric ‘It’s only Friction, baby’, was borrowed from True Detective Season 01, and also weaves in elements of ‘War Cry’, a track I did with Manni Dee for S.L.A.M. records in 2021. This song is a great example of our live hybrid show, in which we draw from our own material to create something new, and weave ideas together to create fresh versions. It’s improvisational and raw, and ‘Friction (Provocation)’ is a powerful banger that carries that living energy with it.
Original tracks make a potent appearance as well, including an exceptional collaboration with Brodinski, who played a key role in their union. ‘I’m a Whip’ emerges as a rebellious club banger, embodying the synergy of their creative forces in a singular anthem. ‘Hate Machine’ ventures into the murky waters of our technology-obsessed society, channeling an edgier echo of the electroclash sound pioneered by acts like Chicks on Speed and The Soft Pink Truth.
Additionally, the album features a collection of stellar remixes from luminaries such as Flore, Cate Hortl, and Mickey Nox.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary ‘Nite Versions’ by Soulwax, Maelstrom and Louisahhh have reconstructed their music to thrive in the most intense late-night atmospheres. Through it all, they assert the importance of club culture as a platform for social commentary, embracing the principles of ‘Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect’ as a call to action.
‘May the Rage Burn a Path for Joy’ delves into the concept of collective effervescence — the captivating force unleashed when people move in harmony in the shadows of the dance floor.
Follow
@le_maelstrom
@louisahhh
Feature photo by Mae Ferron
