Les Sexy are bringing sexy back… to punk music that is. This francophone punk band released their first LP on Transistor 66 in April, 2012, and proved that punk is the same in any language – fast, loud, and dirty.

Les Sexy are now ready to release their follow-up full-length album, Polychrome, with a sexy CD release party happening this month featuring a performance by Montréal rocker Bloodshot Bill who is being flown in specifically for this event.

You heard that right, folks – two full-length albums released by this group in less than a year. Now that’s sexy.

The Manitoban was able to rendezvous with lead singer Danyel Huberdeau and here’s what this sexy beast had to say about being a French punk rocker, recording their new album, and their upcoming CD release show.

 

The Manitoban: Given that Polychrome is your second release, how do you feel that this album differs from your first? 

Danyel Huberdeau: I don’t believe that it’s a question of divergence more that it is about progression. The intent in recording Polychrome was the same as it was for our first album. We wanted to keep it as close to what you would get from us at a live show, only with the opportunities provided by recording in studio, and with better knowledge this time around. Yes, we’ve gotten better at what we do, we better have, but the energy’s remained the same. We may have tweaked it up a notch on this one though!

M: Where was the album recorded and with whom? 

DH: For this one, we recorded with Robert Hill in his studio. Merci, Bobby for getting it all down for us. But yeah, he’s not the only one we have to thank either. Greg Arcade very satisfyingly killed it with his mix and mastering and Vanda Toews did more for us than we deserve with the design and layout of the album artwork. I’m sure I’ve ticked off all of the friends and family who have been there throughout for us that I don’t mention here as well. Hopefully we’ll be forgiven.

M: How was that experience? 

DH: On a personal level, recording can be pretty cruel because it makes you really pick apart what you do, but it’s super rewarding at the same time. For Les Sexy, I think it came to everybody quite naturally – well, somewhat. There were some technical problems and delays that brought deadlines a bit closer, but I think that also allowed us to hunker down and focus. We did what we do. We came in, didn’t waste our time, got it done as best we could and managed to still have crap loads of fun doing it!

M: Where did the name Polychrome come from?

DH: From the title of the song, not that the idea behind the name is defined by the song itself. We try to keep things as uncomplicated and rock and roll as possible. Polychrome sounds sexy, punk and roll, and just a little bit ambiguous enough to suit. At the same time, we do work at being as far from monochrome in our music as we possibly can.

M: What can fans look forward to at your album release party?

DH: Wild abandon! Well, maybe. We don’t normally play that early in the evening. What can you expect from Les Sexy? We’re going to be putting it on the line and outperforming ourselves for you. It will be a party! And if you’ve never seen Bloodshot Bill live, get ready! The man is a rock and roll force to be reckoned with! That’s why Les Sexy are opening the festivities. We’ll whet your appetite…

M: The band has evolved a bit over the years. How do you feel the current lineup adds to your sound?

DH: What’s always been the uniting factor for Les Sexy is the music, no matter who’s playing drums or guitar. Making it and loving it. We’ve grown through the last four or so years. We are tighter and maybe a little bit more proficient, but we’re also having just as much fun, maybe a bit more.

M: Given that you’re the only francophone member of the band, why the decision to play rock and roll en français?

DH: Because we like it? I could talk about cultural roots and building bridges. It is part of the discussion, but it’s not nearly as complex as that. I’ve been in bands where what we did was essentially in English, but I found that for a lot of songs I could better express myself en français. These three guys let me do that and it works. All four of us have grown up listening to rock and roll and punk from anywhere and everywhere, that’s our influences so it shows through what we do.

 

Check out the Polychrome album release show featuring Les Sexy and Bloodshot Bill at the West End Cultural Centre on Jan. 18. Tickets available at Music Trader, Into the Music, and Ticketmaster.