Conversations about the music of Nino Rota, Angelo Badalementi and Ennio Morricone lead to the sixth album of Bastien Lallemant, this time with help of singer Elisabeth Spettro. The result is very cinematic, atmospheric and in the vein of dark Calexico tunes and the ‘Rome’ album by Danger Mouse, Norah Jones and Daniele Luppi. Here’s a sample:
Synthi-pop; France has had a cool string of duo’s providing cold synthetic sounds and sultry vocals back in the 80s (Elli & Jacno, Niagara). Those sounds are still in fashion, also outside of France. HERE is a Spotify playlist (featuring Videoclub, Toboggan, Evergreen, and more). That includes Quebec’s Fleur de Peau, Louis & Elie. There’s a prominent guitar involved, but most of the time the keys rock (and soothe) the songs. Have a listen:
Thanks Steve J for the tip.
The new single by Montreal-based ‘dream pop’ band Grand Eugene features the soothing, sultry vocals of Melyssa Lemieux, solo. This after three singles that were duets – very strong duets, I must stress. This summer-y song is perfect for post-beach drive-time:
Canadian bilingual band Rosier released the first single from their upcoming album. N’as-tu jamais vu d’oiseaux is a folksy affair, as far as I understand it a childhood memory about chasing birds. Love the vocals, and the build-up. The ‘inspiration’ playlist of Rosier has songs by artists like Bon Iver, Andy Shauf, Feist and (yay!) my favorite Daniel Belanger-song. So, folksy, with slight psychedelic/ethereal sidesteps and gorgeous vocals.
Cool live track:
Ruppert Pupkin (yes, it’s a reference to the movie King of Comedy) is the moniker of Emmanuelle Destremau, an actress/singer who likes folksy music as much as making this kind of darker, 80s influenced new wave. She sings in French & English, more enamoured with her French tracks tho.
Tender ballad by MOrisse:
Two Quebecoises in one post, with promising new singles. M-P Arthur was celebrated several times on this blog. She likes to rock, loud and soft. This new track is an example of her softer, 70s inspired side. Cool bassline:
From Montreal, and focussed on pop from a decade earlier than M-P, is Maude Audet. This sunny jangle pop about love chases clouds away:
More upbeat and pop than earlier, soothing singles, Anais MVA’s new single is one to be heard (and seen:)
Vif! is the new (ninth, if I counted correctly) album by Cherbourg’s Francoiz Breut. The first two tasters of the album were VERY good, and the album does not disappoint. FB never sounded so groovy, and early Stereolab seems to be of influence on her music. Which is nice. She sings about the power of nature, of reaching out and touching, the power of smelling. And dancing, I presume. This track really stands out:
French pop band Sale Gamine (Carla Verde is the singer) draw inspiration from disco (Chic!), modern electronics and French 80s pop (remember Gamine?), not unlike L’Imperatrice, De Flore or Angèle. A new EP (7 tracks, or does this count as an album?) ‘Beta’ is just out. Danceable tasters: