Computers Kill People – The Storyteller
Release Date: 17th October 2025
Label: Kernel Panic Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Stoner Rock, Alternative, Power Rock.
FFO: Queens Of The Stone Age, Slomosa, Fu Manchu, Kyuss, Monster Magnet, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, PJ Harvey, Red Fang.
Review By: Paul Franklin
It seems somewhat apt that at this point in history, when there is growing concern about the increasing prevalence of AI and the perceived ‘Skynet-esque’ level of threat it could present, that we get the second full length release from Parisian stoner/power rock quartet Computers Kill People.
Not that The Storyteller is a cataclysmic compilation of bleakness and despair. No, despite a couple of occasions on tracks such as The End and TV Monsters where the tone does have a hint of desolation, 10 years on from their debut, CKP have returned with an impressive, heavy mélange of Stoner Rock fuzz, 90s Grunge heft and Alt-rock power cords.
The band’s first tale is the storming stoner rock groove of Sunset Kiss, this is followed by Last Man Standing, which writhes with the stripped-to-the-waist cocksure swagger of Iggy Pop fronting Queens of the Stone Age.
Where CKP are savvy is they have recognised that repeating the same story countless times quickly becomes boring, so it only takes until track three before they start showing some variety. She Said is a bittersweet alt-rock anthem in the vein of Feeder or Smashing Pumpkins, while A.N.G.R.Y is a blast of P.U.N.K.Y energy.
Even more interesting from a dynamic point of view are the songs, The End and Lockdown Blues, where bassist Karin Gousset steps up to the microphone.
And then we have their cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers classic ‘Give It Away’. A darker, slightly more sinister take on the original bouncy anthem. If the Chili Peppers’ version was goodies being thrown into an enthusiastic crowd from the top of a sparkly party bus, this version is the bloke your parents warned you about dishing out sweets behind the local school.
In conclusion, as with all good storytellers, this record is compelling enough to keep you seated around the campfire until the embers burn low.
(3.5 / 5)
