| Folk, Indie Pop |
Seven years had passed since these two artist siblings had released any new albums, just concert dates. Then, on May 10th, a new album titled “Cape Forestier” emerged. Since their debut in 2006, their journey has been flawless, album after album, taking the time to do things right, whether it’s in terms of lyrics or melodies. We were eager to discover this new opus, and we were not disappointed. Indeed, on Bayou Blue Radio, we usually broadcast some folk music, generally American. However, when quality projects from elsewhere come knocking at our door, we listen, and in this case, we broadcast.
It’s likely that this duo continues to captivate us because they also have solo careers, which generally allows them to recharge, to confront other things. Here, this new album speaks about life, about love—subjects that have fascinated people for a long time. This album reveals many surprises in its arrangements: a touch of jazzy tones from a discreetly placed trumpet, a banjo, an accordion reinforcing the folk aspect. In their music, there’s also something reminiscent of the success of some Australian rock bands—a sense of vast spaces conveyed through synthesizers. Over the years, there’s been both a very personal style that has developed through compositions and writing, as well as an evolving approach to managing arrangements. Clearly, their musical tastes are much more eclectic than they might seem.
Intimate, confidential, offering beautiful poetic moments like “City Of Light,” which starts with Julia Stone’s distinctive voice, reminiscent of an actress that filmmakers of the Nouvelle Vague could have dreamed of. Then comes “No Boat No Aeroplane,” which brings us back to the anxieties of the Covid period when everything seemed dead.
There’s no doubt this duo is attuned to the world, and here it’s Angus’s voice that makes you relive those moments. Albums like this in today’s world are a true joy, produced intelligently with beautiful music. There’s nothing overtly commercial about their approach, yet it sells like hotcakes, counter to what the music industry generally imposes. Undoubtedly, travel is at the heart of these artists’ concerns. We enjoy lingering to listen to their aesthetic sense, especially in an era where aesthetics is generally noise without interest. Here, we take the time to listen, and “Cape Forestier” is undoubtedly the most exciting and personal album they’ve produced to date. It’s impossible for us to overlook it, not to award it the highest distinction we have in reserve, and to consider this album as an “Essential.” And for once, it’s not a jazz album that, however, finds its place perfectly in our music programming.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, May 15th 2024
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