The Best Foot Forward - An Introduction Guide to Festive Culture

The Best Foot Forward

An Introduction Guide to Festive Culture
self-released; 2014

3.2 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

The Best Foot Forward is the combined efforts of Paul-Raphaël Charron (vocals), Antoine Guay (guitars), Amyot-Ladouceur (bass) and Lauzier-Bonnette (drums). The four-piece recently released an eleven-song album entitled An Introduction Guide to Festive Culture which displays a talented band that is toying with a number of different influences.

There is an immediate Rage Against The Machine influence that is noticeable on the first song and carries on throughout different points on the album. They also flirt with ska, funk and even straight up hip-hop, which points to a band that is still searching for a signature sound. That being said the band has a lot going for them in terms of technical ability and knowing how to create a song with peaks and valleys.

The first track “The Salesman” melds funk and rock as the singer Paul-Raphaël Charron sings Zack de la Rocha style. Once the chorus comes around they implement vocal harmonies that were unexpected but effective. The next two tracks “Los Tanques” and “Don't Get Me Wrong” are infused with ska and punk. I was digging the last two minutes or so of  “Don't Get Me Wrong,” which contains creative delayed guitar and buzzing bass.

I have to admit I was so utterly confused when I heard “Blue Back in a Red Deck” that I thought I was listening to a different band. The song revolves around a heavy hitting hip-hop beat and rapping. It felt out of place when listening to the album in sequential order. As the album progresses the Red Hot Chili Peppers inspired “Gypsy Hobo” and the eight-minute closer “Pavel Bure” were highlights.

As of right now the band has too many songs that sound like cover versions of Rage Against The Machine songs. I appreciate their technical skill and the songs are fun but it’s going to eventually become a detriment to them if they want to become well known. I am rooting for these guys but I think they are going to have to find a way to establish a sound that defines The Best Foot Forward if they want to penetrate a bigger audience.

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