The rhythm section comprises Matthieu Canaguier on “Thunderbass” and Antoine Hadjioannou on “Prophetic drums” who also play together as Utech’s dark ‘n’ sludgy Aluk Todolo and the black metallic Diamatregon. Here they maintain an unrelenting undercurrent of swaggering attitude, solidly chugging down their special brew of sweat and leather to create a primed surface onto which band leader Gregory Raimo (or GR as he’s sometimes known) can paint his technicolour trips. GR’s alternating guitar and voice infuse the air with a burning patchouli incense, fuelled by the obligatory fuzz, wah and delay to depict ever deeper details of a deranged corner of rock’n’roll traditions.

The first track is by far the most intoxicating, casting a black magic spell on the bones of a Johnny B Goode riff – like the first drink on an empty stomach it has the advantage of surprise, significantly reducing the impact of what follows. Fortunately, at just over 30 minutes, the dose is small enough not to render the brave listener forgetful or jaded. What Manifesto Zero lacks in originality it makes up for in passion and purpose – to make people smile, to forget and to abandon themselves to the primal over the cerebral, the tribal over selfdom.