Krystal System – Da Punch (Digital/CD Album – Alfa Matrix)
Da Punch is the fourth album from the Parisian project Krystal System. ‘Bonnie’ and ‘N°7’ are joined by a new member, bassist ‘Phi’, who had already appeared on the EP preceding the album. Remarkably, this is their first full-length release since 2013. On ‘Da Punch’, Krystal System takes a critical look at society and interpersonal relationships, resulting in a collection of 13 tracks.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Krystal System because, to me, they sound like a big ‘f*** you’ to all those bands that simply keep repeating themselves, gradually getting lost in a lack of creativity. Krystal System continues along its established path, delivering uncompromising compositions that blend guitar and electronics into an Electro-Post-Punk sound, driven by Bonnie’s passionate vocals. She sometimes sings in her native French, but most of the tracks are performed in English, delivered with that unmistakable and rather sexy French accent. N°7 also takes the microphone, providing a nice counterbalance to the female vocals and occasionally resulting in a duet. The songs are varied and, as mentioned, uncompromising. Their cover of Front 242’s “Headhunter” is a great example. Rather than simply copying the original—which would be sacrilege—they give it their own interpretation, and it really works. There are other, even stronger tracks to discover, with Krystal System occasionally channelling Rammstein-like guitar riffs and Depeche Mode-style melodies, while still remaining firmly rooted in their own sound. That’s what I call a modern Punk attitude, and it really appeals to me.
Krystal System will need to put themselves back on the map for a wider audience, but music lovers who already know the band will simply be delighted to see them return with such a cool album. (Rating:8).
Listen to “A World That Is Yours”:
About Krystal System
Krystal System started in Paris, France, in April 2006 under the name Krystal. The founding duo was Bonnie on vocals and guitar and N°7 (also stylized as Seven) on vocals, synths, and programming. A first demo, “Demain n’existe pas,” came before the project gained early exposure through the 2007 International Cravefest Video Awards and concerts in France and Switzerland.
Around 2007 the duo signed to Belgian label Alfa Matrix and adopted the name Krystal System. Their debut album, “Underground,” followed on November 14, 2008, then the seven-track EP “Underground: VooDoo Night Sessions” on November 27, 2009, “Nuclear” on June 17, 2011, and “Rage” on March 15, 2013.
Krystal System returned in 2025 with the “Éclats Rouges” EP, its first studio release since “Rage” and its first with bassist φ (Phi), expanding the lineup to a trio.
“Da Punch,” the fourth Krystal System album, followed on June 26, 2026, again with the trio of Bonnie, N°7, and Phi. The 13-track release was made available digitally via Bandcamp and on CD through the Alfa Matrix Store, whose edition adds two bonus tracks, “Newclear Winter” and a 2025 version of the track. The album also includes a cover of a Front 242 song, “Headhunter.”
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