Hailing from Montreal, garage pop punk duo DVTR—comprised of Demi Lune and Jean Divorce—has just released their new EP, BONJOUR (BIS).
From the very first track, it’s clear the pair has something to say. Each song features sonic unpredictability and delivers a sharp societal critique, challenging our ingrained perspectives on topics like capitalism, the patriarchy, and the pressures facing musicians today.
Although DVTR's first digital releases came out in November 2023, the duo's impact has been significant, earning them the No. 2 spot in Cult MTL's Top 30 Montreal Songs of 2023, a Best Videoclip award at Quebec's GAMIQ Awards 2023 for "DVTR," and No. 2 in Best EP of 2023 at Le Canal Auditif.
Their new EP Bonjour (BIS), however, stands out as something truly special in its own right.
With 11 tracks, Bonjour (BIS) is packed with driving beats, powerful electric guitar riffs, punchy melodies, and staccato vocal melodies that convey deeper meanings.
Let’s explore some standout tracks that showcase the impressive skills of this dynamic duo and invite listeners to broaden their perspectives.
Diving into DVTR's Standout Tracks
The opening track, "DVTR," hits with a powerful punch and is instantly addictive, even if you don't understand Québécois French. The driving guitar riff and vocals shift between melodic and intense, as if urging the listener to wake up to the track's deeper message. The duo expertly plays with contrast, making the song both dynamic and captivating.
The repeated phrase "Ça libère" (It liberates) evokes a sense of freedom, while references to sushi and rice highlight the often exploitative labor behind trendy foods. The question, "Where does your rice come from?" prompts listeners to consider the origins and implications of their consumption in global food production.
Another standout track is "Vasectomia," characterized by its eerie sound, with lyrics that offer a sharp critique of the patriarchy. The repeated phrase “Fin du patriarcat” (End of patriarchy) signifies a desire to dismantle the oppressive societal structures that have historically marginalized women and non-binary individuals, advocating for an end to male dominance and the archaic systems that support it.
Though the subject matter may be heavy, the accompanying melodies keep the vibe upbeat, making it impossible not to bop your head—and likely dive into a mosh pit if you catch the duo live.
In "Sound $ex Change," the duo experiments with a groove that hints at Caribbean rhythms while addressing the commercial pressures artists face. The lyrics about an "empty room" and a "full account" suggest that financial success often comes at the cost of personal connections and fulfillment. The phrase "doped up on cash dust" exposes the addictive nature of chasing money, revealing the darker side of the pursuit of success.
This theme of societal critique continues in one of my personal favorites on the album, "Les Olympiques," where the duo shifts focus to the commercialization of sports, particularly the Olympics. Here, the lyrics highlight the disconnect between the athletes' glorified success and the real burdens placed on ordinary people, such as the "proletariat and young mothers," showcasing DVTR's ability to address different facets of modern life through their music.
“Pied de poule” encapsulates Quebec's spirit by contrasting dark themes with an upbeat melody. It weaves together grim stories of violence, loss, and isolation, all set to a catchy chorus that invites dancing.
The phrase “pied d'poule” (hen’s foot) adds whimsy, highlighting the blend of humor and tragedy. This juxtaposition reflects a cultural commentary on how society often masks pain with frivolity, suggesting that even in adversity, there’s a strong urge in Quebec to celebrate life through dance and music, embodying the region's vibrant artistic resilience.
DVTR Balances Fun and Depth with a Purpose
While their vocal melodies are playful and exploratory, the instrumentation provides a steady, grounding pulse that keeps the listener both intrigued and immersed in their vortex.
It's clear they're committed to dismantling the status quo with every song they release, all while having a blast doing it. Their music is addictive and often loud, but that’s intentional. After all, how else can they expect us to hear what they have to say?
