by John Bush
French alternative band Noir Desir formed in the mid-80s, comprising vocalist/guitarist Bertrand Cantat, guitarist Serge Teyssot-Gay, bassist Frédéric Vidalenc and drummer Denis Barthe. The groups first EP, Ou Veux-tu Quje Rgarde, was released in 1987. Two years later, Noir Desir released its debut full-length, Veuillez Rendre LAme a Qui Elle Appartient. By second album Du Ciment Sous les Plaines (1990), the bands harder, more punk-inspired elements began to come to the fore, and the progression remained on 1992s Tostaky. After the live double-LP Dies Irae, Noir Desir broke out with 1996s 666667 Club. The band continued throughout the early 2000s, releasing albums every couple years. In 2003, lead singer Bertrand Cantat was charged with the murder of actress Marie Trintignant, who died — on August 1 that year — of head injuries.
