Métal Urbain

about

Métal Urbain was one of the first French punk groups. They were heavily influenced by The Clash and Sex Pistols on the one hand, and on the other by an electro approach related to Metal Machine Music by Lou Reed. They relied on heavily distorted guitars and replaced the traditional rock rhythm section of bass guitar/drums with a synthesizer and drum machine, a then-unique approach that foreshadowed the experimental possibilities that were explored by later post-punk bands such as Big Black. They were also known for their radical image (the color scheme of albums always being a stark black, white and red), and subversive lyrics sung in French. Métal Urbain was met with much enthusiasm in England, particularly by John Peel and the Rough Trade label. (Métal Urbain's single "Paris Maquis" was Rough Trade's first release.) They had an enthusiastic but small audience in France, receiving little exposure. The punk rock scene was not as popular in France as it was in England, and they did not interest the French media as English bands like Sex Pistols did. As a result, the band broke up by 1979, though members scattered to form such groups as Metal Boys, Doctor Mix and the Remix, and Desperados. Métal Urbain had focused their efforts on singles, and only produced one album, Les Hommes Morts Sont Dangereux, while active. However, since their breakup, several compilation records were released, gathering their singles with additional material such as BBC sessions and live recordings.

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