Rennes is regarded as the France’s capital of digital innovation, but in recent years it has also become known for its thriving music scene within which The Madcaps have emerged as one of its most exciting talents. Whilst being associated with the ever-popular garage-rock pop sound which has seen other young bands from continental Europe such as Hinds achieve multi-national recognition, this group of vintage clothing-clad Frenchmen sound distinctly less sun-kissed and Californian than their counterparts. Instead, they appear to be influenced by a much more British kind of sound, in particular 60s beat music.

‘Too Big For Your Boots’ is reminiscent of naughties indie classics – lead singer Thomas Dayhot comes across as a swaggering but playful frontman, and in the song he seems to be aiming digs at the fake, stuck-up, scenesters who could learn a lesson or two from his laid-back attitude. It’s full of boisterous energy with the clanging of guitar chords only separated by urgent yet neat little riffs from the lead guitarist. The band are at their most adolescent during album-closer ‘Walking Back Home’ which, as you might expect, is the ballad based on those all-too-common drunken journeys home. Guided by a laid-back bassline and vocal harmonies which the band themselves describe as being “sweet enough to move a German bulldozer to tears”, this track nicely captures that hazy, post-night out melancholy that is so familiar to young people.

Despite their influences showing, The Madcaps certainly belong within the contemporary garage rock scene. Their youthful energy and ability to craft a pop song bring an often-needed dose of fun to the genre, whilst still retaining the fuzzy guitars and looping basslines. Hot Sauce is not a ground-breaking album, but it’s massively fun and showcases The Madcaps’ pop proficiency.

Sam Fennell