BBCC Release ‘King Michael II and the Trial of the Axe’
Strasbourg band BBCC have released their new album, ‘King Michael II and the Trial of the Axe’, via October Tone.
It’s a concept album built around an unusual narrative and a cast of eccentric characters. There is a failed superhero, an alcoholic vampire, a macho knight, a tree turned lumberjack and, at the centre of it all, an axe on trial. The question is simple enough: who is responsible, the tool or the hand?
BBCC were formerly known as Crocodiles INC. They started out closer to indie rock on ‘Heidentum’ in 2015, moved into a more angular, kraut-leaning sound with ‘Altered States of Consciousness’ in 2020, and then went deeper into conceptual work with ‘Michael’ in 2023. ‘King Michael II and the Trial of the Axe’ pushes that world further out.
The album was produced by Théo Cloux of Tioklu. It’s full of live drums, analogue synths, guitars, flute, saxophone and voices that move between singing, chanting and narration. The music is often funny, theatrical and a bit bonkers, but it never feels hard work. The ideas come across clearly, the repeating parts stick in your head, and the rhythm section keeps things ticking along nicely. Even the oddest moments feel like they belong there rather than being thrown in for the sake of it.
There is a post-glam side to it, along with art-pop touches and bright synths. BBCC sound like they are following their own ideas rather than fitting into a particular scene. The record is playful, but it also feels focused and well thought out.
BBCC will also take the album to the stage with costumes, props and the axe itself. That sounds about right. A record this peculiar probably deserves its own trial.
Headline photo: Christophe Urbain
BBCC Website / Instagram / YouTube
October Tone Records Website / Instagram / YouTube
