Chicago Darkwave Trio French Police Debut Unnerving New Single “Stress Test”

“This song is meant to stress you out.”

In a haunting echo of voyeurism and intrusion, the lyrics to the new single from Chicago darkwave trio French Police (Brian Flores, Jesse Flores, and Manny Herrera) unravel a chilling narrative of an unseen presence within one’s private sanctuary.

The repetition of the sinister words intensifies a mounting anxiety, emphasizing the inescapable gaze of the intruder. The casual mentions of “Talk a little bit, Talk a little shit” lean into the dissonance, suggesting a macabre casualness amidst palpable tension. This piece, tinged with suspense and foreboding, artfully walks the fine line between the menacing and the mundane, drawing listeners into its dark embrace.

Listen to the song below, or via the streaming service of your choice here.

A brainchild of Brian Flores, this ensemble has been ensnaring its listeners in a web of emotive post-punk, resonant with both depth and nuance, since the dusk of 2019. Brian initially brought French Police to life alongside his brother Jesse and two additional musicians, who have since departed from the ensemble. By April 2021, rejuvenation was in the air; lineup changes made, and Brian introduced Herrera as the lead guitarist. In a twist of fate, Jesse soon found his way back to the fold. Their digital offerings began to resonate online, gradually building momentum. When the world reopened its doors post-pandemic, they wasted no time in returning to the stage.

In their early days, French Police would count themselves fortunate to gather an audience of twenty. However, their re-entry to live performance—a local gathering mere blocks from their rehearsal space—saw a surge in attendance. This bustling event marked a turning point for the trio. The subsequent flurry of performances only further propelled their profile, culminating in a growing fanbase and evolution in their musical style,

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