Noir Désir

French post-punk band Noir Désir's intriguing blend of solid melodies, punchy riffs and thoughtful arrangements make the band stand out from their contemporaries. Having signed for French label Barclay Records amidst very modest expectations, the band handsomely exceeded sales targets with their debut album 'Où veux-tu qu'je r'garde' (1987) and Barclay signed them for a further three recordings. Two years later the follow-up album 'Veuillez rendre l'âme (à qui elle appartient)' went gold and the band received the prestigious Bus d'Acier Award for Best French Rock Group. In 2001 the band released what was to be their final album, 'Des visages des figures'. Featuring a more restrained style than their previous works it sold over a million copies, vindicating the band's new approach. Unfortunately, the popular band probably be remembered as much for lead singer Bernard Cantat's involvement in the killing of his girlfriend as they will for being a double platinum-selling band. Numerous awards were forthcoming, but at the height of the band's popularity Cantat was arrested in connection with his girlfriend's death and was jailed for eight years. He was released on parole in 2007 and the band tentatively attempted to relaunch themselves. However, while recording a new album drummer Denis Barthe announced Noir Désir had disbanded for good. Despite remaining disbanded, the band released the acoustic album 'Débranché' in January 2020.

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