(This guestpost was originally published on the wonderful Lie in the Sound-blog, and written by Christoph/SomeVapourTrails)
Every country has it’s own musical charm, in France it’s the ‘airy Chic’ that’s sprinkled onto songs by chanteuses from every generation. The graceful members of this guild can either sing saucy or sentimental, but in any case the singing floats at least a foot above all earthly things. As is proven by Parisienne Céline Tolosa, whose début-EP was released recently. The four delicate songs on the EP channel the charm from 60s French pop. Even the title track Covergirl precipitates as graceful as profound. Tolosa embodies a cover girl, either a Lolita or Femme Fatale from any glamour magazine. But behind the glittering façade of the Fashion Business lurks the realization that they will one day be replaced, when a slimmer model comes along.
The nice, for predestined humming melody follows with Rue Mansart, a rather moody piano chanson. It includes that special sophisticated French perspective, which is located somewhere between daydream, still lifes and tears in a buttonhole. Tu est fantastique is an airy number full of retro charm. Every French musical stereotype is confirmed here in distinctive ways.
Fais-moi souffrir is more moody. Céline Tolosa is singing with tender melancholy. Can’t wait to hear mme Tolosa on a full length album. Because, honestly, don’t we all need some disarming French lightness from time to time? I know I can.