Blankass

Formed in the early '90s by brothers Johan and Guillaume Ledoux, who had previously been the lynchpins of punk outfit Zero de Conduite, Blankass are a French rock outfit who have drawn comparisons with artists as diverse as Bruce Springsteen, Nick Cave, and Serge Gainsbourg. Renowned for championing political causes such as the Free Tibet campaign and immigrant support group GISTI, the ever-changing lineup, which has included the likes of saxophonist Philippe Ribaudeau and former Les Visiteurs guitarist Nicolas Bravin, released their self-titled debut in 1996 and followed it up with 1999's L'Ere de Rien, 2003's L'Homme Fleur, and 2005's Elliott. After a seven-year studio absence to concentrate on various solo projects, they returned in 2012 with fifth album Les Chevals. ~ Jon O'Brien