The Quietus Albums of the Year So Far 2026 (In Association with Norman Records)
39.
FRANTX
IDUTYDU
The debut from Paris-based Franco-Italian quartet FRANTX is messy in the best possible way, a post-everything riot of re-pitched, multi-lingual vocals, mutilated guitars, toy synth, tuba, tumbling drums and concrète-inspired collage. These restless, wayward songs can veer from electroclash to jazzy math rock and back again in the space of the same song (‘Fly Communication’), smash together hyperpop with post-punk, or set the recollections of an elderly Italian lady to Gastr Del Sol-style post-rock (‘Vittoria’). Best of all might be the first-stuttering-then-churning noise-scape of ‘Banana Phone Boi’. Despite the suggestions of social media-induced dislocation – the opening track is called ‘Sorry I’m Feeling Emoji’ – IDUTYDU feels alive and engaged, the sound of a highly skilled unit giving free reign to its collective imagination.
David McKenna