French punk outfit Nightwatchers launch their second full-length album Common Crusades. A politically thematic, melodic punk rock album, lyrically dealing with institutional racism and Islamophobia in modern-day France.
Common Crusades is the musical and lyrical continuity of Nightwatchers’ 2019 debut album La paix ou le sable. Both albums deal with events surrounding France’s colonial era but from different perspectives. While the lyrics of La paix ou le sable (Peace or Sand) are written to raise awareness of France’s violent past, Common Crusades main focus is on the aftermath of these conflicts, highlighting how colonial ideas, strongly characterised by racism and Islamophobia, still affects political decision-making in the country.
The band has spoken on the lyrical message of Common Crusades:” One of the objectives of this record is to highlight that Islam has always been the priority target of the universalist project of the French Republic. The separatist project tied to the supposed political organisation of a “radical” or “fundamentalist” Islam in France seems to be primarily fantasised. Some polemicists and historians have contributed to feeding this conspiracist fantasy, which is now the origin of a bill ratified by the National Assembly.” (For more info, look up; “The Separatist Law” or “Law to Reinforce Republican Values”).
Nightwatchers latest offering contains ten melodic punk rock tracks, all contributing to the overall story and theme of the album. Fast-paced, distorted, and punchy cuts are mixed with tracks highlighting a colder and post-punk influenced side of Nightwatchers.
All the lyrics of Common Crusades are based on speeches and writings made by individuals who exploited occupied territories during France’s colonial era and speeches and writings of present-day politicians.
Common Crusades is out now on all digital platforms via Lövely Records. Stream HERE
The album will be released on vinyl on November 26. Pre-order HERE.
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