Bands without guitars
For many decades, the guitar (electric or acoustic) is commonly associated with rock music and is often an integral part to the band’s sound. There have been the occasional exception in this guitar-dominated world, and the Swiss scene is no different.
For this article, I thought it would be a good idea to share a selection of bands that I have discovered lately that either use no guitar or very little guitar.
Let me know what you think of the choice of bands and if you have any suggestions, I’m more than happy to hear them! Enjoy!
Cyril Cyril / Bandcamp
If the setting in the above image seems familiar, it’s because I used a couple of similar photos from the video shoot for the Foucoupe interview (link here). It was also through Foucoupe that I discovered the Geneva-based duo whose members both share the same first name. When performing live, or at least in the videos I’ve seen, the band is more a banjo/drums duo with effects and both Cyrils sharing the vocals. There is a mention on the Bandcamp that they use guitar in the recordings but with the really well done and hypnotic production, it’s hard to say how much guitar is there.
The last two albums are definitely worth checking out, Le Futur Ça Marche Pas - the song, La Rotation de l’Axe, was on the Winter Playlist, and Yallah Mickey Mouse. The latter is also highly recommended with a good pair of earphones to appreciate the album even more. And if you’re still wanting more, check out the Confederation Sessions performance on YouTube from 2021.
Hyperculte / Bandcamp
This next duo are also very closely linked to Cyril Cyril in many ways - both are based in Geneva, a member of each band founded Bongo Joe Records and all four are even part of a band together, Yalla Miku. The band’s main instruments are the stand-up bass and drums with both members sharing vocal duties and loops being integrated into the studio and live sounds as well. The band describe their music as “minimalist trance-pop pre-kraut post-disco” which definitely seems to fit their style.
So far the only guitar playing that I have found is in the live version of the song, Siamo Tutti (around 18:30), in this great live performance at the Paléo Festival in Nyon in 2017. The song, Jamais Trop, made it to the Summer 2024 playlist, and along with Les Cabanes, the aforementioned Siamo Tutti and Temps Mort are my standout tracks so far and the band’s discography has been getting some regular rotation here lately.
Bubka / Bandcamp
Anyone who has read Reverb Dream knows how much I enjoy this instrumental trio, especially since the 2024 performance at Kombinat - having appeared in the article about instrumental bands to check out article and the Summer 2024 Playlist.
The synths and keyboards add a distinct layer to the band’s unique sound, which brings together krautrock, stoner rock and psychedelic rock, whilst complimenting the solid rhythm section. Both EPs, EPI ZENN and II, have always commanded my full attention whilst being listened to and I have always enjoyed the ride the music takes me on.
Cosmic Vomit / Bandcamp
Cosmic Vomit were first mentioned in the interview with Walter Frosch (link here) as one of the side-projects of the band. Following the article, I listened to their album, lifeisfuct, quite a few times and enjoyed the energy from it.
It was only at the Kombinat Festival that I found out that it was only a duo as the impression of the album left me thinking that there would be a lot more members to make such a sound in the very packed Gotthard Bar. Armed with only bass, drums and, what I imagine is a vocoder for vocal effects, the band were definitely one of the highlights bringing together what I can only describe as Lightning Bolt crossed with space-punk. If you ever have the possibility to catch them live, go for it! Be prepared though, it’s going to get loud.
Beurre / Bandcamp
Just like with Cosmic Vomit, and also as loud as the previous band, it wasn’t until seeing the band (albeit it in photos and short video clips) that I had noticed that there was no guitar in the music.
I came across the album, Oxt to Anyone, through the interview with Kevin Galland who details his experience of recording the album. The album is intense, and I think the press kit on the Humus Records website describes the sound very well, stating that the band plays “the dark projection of our existence on distorted walls”.
The song, Ways, would go on to be closing the track on the Spring 2025 playlist and the band were nominated for m4m Demotape Clinic with the song, Uniform. I hope to see the band live soon.