Frustration (fr)
A cornerstone of the French post-punk landscape, Frustration finally makes their long-awaited debut at Grauzone. Formed in Paris in 2002 by members of the city’s thriving punk underground (Operation S, No Talents, Steve & The Jerks, Les Terribles), the band set out to embrace the coldest, tensest edges of rock music. Their influences—Crisis, Warsaw/Joy Division, The Fall, Killing Joke—shape a sound that’s raw, direct, and unmistakably urgent.
Frustration’s early releases quickly positioned them at the forefront of a new French coldwave resurgence. Their work with Born Bad Records, France’s legendary alternative label, cemented their reputation. Over the course of four albums and numerous EPs, they have honed a sonic identity that bridges classic post-punk energy and modern intensity—angular guitars, pounding rhythms, hypnotic basslines, and a confrontational vocal presence.
Known for their high-voltage shows in Paris venues like Nouveau Casino, Glazart, and La Boule Noire, as well as international club nights and festivals, Frustration has earned a reputation as one of France’s most powerful live acts. Their sound is both fiercely nostalgic and forcefully contemporary, resonating with generations of fans connected by the dark pulse of post-punk.
With a legacy spanning over twenty years, Frustration remains a defining force in European underground culture—restless, uncompromising, and vital. We are thrilled to finally welcome this iconic band to Grauzone.