Album review: Sans Froid – Back Into The Womb

Ever wondered what it would sound like if Sonic Youth jammed with King Crimson? Or considered what might have happened if Björk and Skunk Anansie’s televised performance of Army Of Me had led to an entire album collaboration? Well, wonder no more, because the second album by artsy Bristol-based rockers Sans Froid comes mighty close.

While the COVID-19 lockdowns kneecapped some bands, it proved a valuable time for the recently formed Sans Froid to lock in and tinker. Living together Aisling Trafford (vocals, keys), Toby Green (drums) and Charles Barnes (guitar) leaned into their experimental instincts and mutual love of The Mars Volta and Deerhoof. The resulting debut album, 2024’s Hello, Boil Brain, swung between skronky, agitated funk and proggy freak outs that reflected our increasingly uncertain times.

Back Into The Womb goes further down the rabbit hole. Opener Go On boldly steps out with nervy grooves for the dancefloor, showing the band’s knack for matching Aisling’s spiralling monologues with sinewy, sometimes chaotic rock. Their confidence has also grown. ‘Won’t take your ideological bait, / As every muscle in my body retaliates,’ Aisling screams on Go On, while on Of The Mother the band rally around Aisling’s declaration in the face of patriarchal oppression, ‘It’s all our problem, we should be acting as one.’ Personal and political struggles merge, giving Sans Froid’s proggy explorations a rebellious edge.

Amid the unhinged energy of songs like Pros & Constants, the clear chemistry and trust between the four bandmates keeps their psychic explorations on track. As if sharing a single brain, Sans Froid seamlessly shift from the title track’s schizoid riffing into the dazed jazz of Sorbet, before launching into Menorabilia’s chaotically danceable punk. It makes the album feel like one long stream of consciousness from the band’s neurotic hive mind.

Sans Froid’s artsy approach may seem intimidating from outside, but dive straight in and you’ll find plenty of visceral fun to be had with this weird, most original of bands.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: The Mars Volta, The St Pierre Snake Invasion, Slift

Back Into The Womb is released on June 26 via Church Road