Dissociation brings to the forefront all the fears of emasculation while simultaneously empowering the feminine. Set aside your pride and dive into A VOID's world.

Since the rise of Punk in London in the early 70s, many bands have made their mark on the genre. Displaying their anger and frustrations at the world through their music, many bands have come and gone, but the spirit of punk has never died. Where the topics used to hang on politics and the economy, now artists are turning to society. In this post-punk scene, there are several acts to follow, but the three-piece act known as A VOID is a treasure to find.

Formed in Paris, the trio of Aaron Hartmann (Bass), Camille Alexander (Vocals/Guitar), and Marie Niemiec (Drums/Back Vocals) has been serving up in-your-face and unapologetic melodies since 2016. Describing their style as a ""nightmare of sound engineers,"" A VOID brings the world their latest album, Dissociation. Sit down, shut up, and prepare your ego. A VOID is here to smash your preconceptions of what life is like in today's day and age.

Released together in 2021, “Sad Events Reoccur” parts 1 and 2 kick off the album with a distinct punk sound that is hard to ignore. Filled with harmonizing vocals, strong chords played on electric and acoustic guitars, and energetic drum fills, these two songs lay out the themes of the album that are to follow: Unapologetic confidence despite the adversities thrown in the faces of so many.

“Stepping On Snails” was also released as a single in 2021 that kicks up the heaviness and plunges the band's sound into a more ferocious form of rock. Tempo changes throughout the song keep things interesting as Niemiec hammers away on the drums and cymbals. Reminiscent of bands like Flyleaf, the heavy influences cannot be ignored, as the lyrics promote a sense of good fortune to those who give back to the communities they support.

“One Of A Kind” continues the heavy rock sounds with a punk slant. Alexander's vocals on this track shine as loaded riffs are interrupted with smooth strumming. Contrary to the relative calm found in “One Of A Kind,” “Newspapers” builds into a thrashing breakdown. This song is one of the best examples of the band's talents. It's easy to forget this group only consists of three members. Filled with Hartmann's chunky bass tabs and Alexander's guttural screams, this track is not for the faint of heart, not that A VOID would ever want that for the listener.

“Bag Of Skulls” picks up right where the previous track leaves off and sails off in a harmonic direction akin to some of SOAD's slower jams. Alexander and Niemiec's vocals haunt throughout the song, as wailing guitars blast off where the lyrics end.

“Sick As A Dog” is another example of the band's ability to combine smooth, rhythmic chord progressions with convicted lyrics that refuse to apologize. Alexander's screams across this track bring to a head the feelings of hopelessness and disassociation that the band has worked so hard to bring to life.

“2B Seen” and the multiple tempo changes throughout bring unexpected delight. This track may feature the most powerful lyrics on the record, as Alexander belts out what she means and means what she says. The harmonization between her and Niemiec towards the end of the track gives way to a short but face-melting guitar solo, almost as powerful as the ladies in the band.

Slowing things down, “5102,” another single released in 2022, contains vindictive lyrics that make for a perfect breakup song. With the power of a scorned sorceress, Alexander tells the story of so many women affected by neglectful and egotistical men. Whether society is ready for A VOID's confessions or not, the band puts their emotions on full display in this song.

“In Vain” is a fun track filled with skipping beats and silky vocals. The track is reminiscent of late 90s-early 2000s punk that brings familiar feelings of nostalgia in its sound, with frustrating back-tracking themes with its lyrics.

“Bad Habits” displays more of Alexander's powerful lyrics, fueled by strong attitudes and pitiless feelings. Her screams speak for themselves as the kick-ass track moves from corpulent riffs to the more submissive (if that type of feeling even exists to the band) refrains throughout.

The record concludes with “Sonic Untitled,” a track that flows nicely from the last. More vindictive vocals fill the song with an in-your-face predilection. If you hadn't figured it out by now, women these days often feel trapped by society, and A VOID perfectly sums up the frustrations felt by them. Tossing aside what is expected of them, the women of A VOID harmonize their feelings of inferiority and place them back on men to deal with. Is it fair they have to spell it out for us? Is it fair they even had to say it?

Whether you are on the side of feminism or not, there is no denying that A VOID has perfectly encapsulated the convictions that so many women hold today. No more is punk for the rowdy boys who play in the streets while they are unemployed. There are no more excuses to be made. Alexander and company shout out the hypocrisies of society while making badass tracks to inhabit it. Dissociation brings to the forefront all the fears of emasculation while simultaneously empowering the feminine. Set aside your pride and dive into A VOID's world.