Article Contributed by Big Hassle Media
Published on 2026-11-11
Photo Credit: Camille Gladu-Drouin
Following March 2026’s “Le vice et le culte,” Montreal trio zouz returns with "À sec," the group's second single this year and a preview of their forthcoming third album, slated for release in 2027.
LISTEN TO "À SEC”
LISTEN TO "LE VICE ET LE CULTE"
Reflecting the trio’s collective identity in both content and form, "À sec" marks a rare moment when all members composed together since zouz’s formation in 2016. Recorded at Ben Shampouing studio in Thetford Mines, the track was produced by David Marchand (vocals, guitar) and mixed by Francis Ledoux (drums, percussion). The two were joined by Charles-David Dubé, long-time collaborator and sound engineer, on synth bass.
“We wanted to do everything ourselves, so the song would feel like all three of us and really sound like zouz,” says David Marchand of "À sec."
The lyrics were inspired by one of the band members’ experiences, navigating a relentless succession of misfortunes:
Chien de garde caché dans le noir
Qui me regarde quand je dors
Qui montre les crocs, qui menace
Et attend immobile à sa place
Watchdog hidden in the dark
Who watches me while I sleep
Who shows its fangs, who threatens
And waits motionless in its place
From the very first notes, the melody is tinged with a latent yet unsettling threat that hangs over the entire piece. The impetuous energy gives way briefly to almost soothing lulls before resuming with renewed vigor. While the song carries an emotion that makes it unique, it fits perfectly into zouz's discography: sophisticated music in a power trio format. A technicality more acrobatic than mathematical. A touch of chaos layered over carefully crafted sonic textures.
“À sec” coincides with zouz’s imminent departure for the United States, where they will open for Angine De Poitrine across a series of shows in Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle in November and December.
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ZOUZ – LIVE 2026
NOVEMBER
16 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel (SOLD OUT) @
17 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel (SOLD OUT) @
18 – Montréal, QC – Les Foufounes Électriques (SOLD OUT)
19 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner (SOLD OUT) @
20 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall (SOLD OUT) @
29 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed (SOLD OUT) @
30 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed (SOLD OUT) @
DECEMBER
1 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue (SOLD OUT) @
2 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue (SOLD OUT) @
4 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern (SOLD OUT) @
5 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern (SOLD OUT) @
7 – San Francisco, CA – The Castro Theatre (SOLD OUT) @
10 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom (SOLD OUT) @
11 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom (SOLD OUT) @
12 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo (SOLD OUT) @
13 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre (SOLD OUT) @
@ - w/ Angine De Poitrine
ABOUT ZOUZ:
Since 2016, zouz has been pushing the boundaries of noise rock, blending raw intensity with a refined musical approach. After a decade of honing their sound, the trio has developed intricate melodies layered with deep emotion, driven by an energy that is both fierce and tightly controlled.
Following Jours de cendre (nominated for Rock Album of the Year at the ADISQ gala and awarded at the GAMIQ alternative gala in 2025), the singles “Le vice et le culte” and “À sec” point toward the band’s third album, expected in 2027.
On stage, zouz creates an undeniable connection between musicians and audience. With over 100 uncompromising performances across Quebec and beyond, the trio has built a reputation for intense, electrifying live shows. American audiences will get their first chance to experience the band live when they open for Angine de Poitrine in late 2026.
CONNECT WITH ZOUZ
