Like Clara Luciani, Halo Maud’s new album “Je suis une île” brings back some memories about ‘70s French pop. But it also shows a very current psychedelic revival, especially with Tame Impala-like bass lines.
♪♫ Listen: “Du Pouvoir/Power” + album stream
The French musician Le Prince Miiaou – whom we introduced last autumn – mixes alternative rock with electronic and other contemporary influences, crafting detailed and rich songs. She uses guitar and computer with the same dexterity.
♪♫ Listen: “Flip the switch” + album stream
The famous singer, responsible for some of the best French hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s (“Tous les garçons et les filles”, “Message Personnel”…) returns with a moving new album, looking back on her life. How not to be touched by the beautiful single “Le Large” where Françoise Hardy evokes (with serenity) her death, comparing it to a travel across the ocean.
♪♫ Listen: “Le Large” + album stream
Clara Luciani’s pop rock songs have an undeniable groove. With her yéyé look, Serge Gainsbourg’s bass style (check “Eddy”) or funk rhythms (like in “La Baie” and “La Grenade”), the singer send us back to late ‘60s and ‘70s. But “Sainte Victoire” demonstrates that Clara is also capable of singing beautiful ballads such as the sad “Monstre d’Amour”.
♪♫ Listen: “Monstre d’Amour” + album stream
Another solid addition to Posterboy Machine’s repertoire, further exploring his romantic synth pop side. The EP flows like water – a recurring and metaphoric subject treated in a sensual way. It’s hard not to sing along with Romain while listening to standouts: “Gym Aquatique” and “Vol de Nuit”.
♪♫ Listen: “Vol de Nuit” + album stream
Héloïse Letissier, one of the most famous French singers in the world, made a powerful statement with “Chris”, which shortens her previous nickname Christine to pass her message about gender fluidity. The concept album combines synth pop aesthetic (“La Marcheuse”) and ‘80s funk soul inspired by Michael Jackson (the video for “Damn, dis-moi”).
♪♫ Listen: “Damn, dis-moi” + album stream
Léonie Pernet delivers a powerful and dark album mixing post-punk bass and coldness with clear electronica, airy production and even gothic beats (“Father”), not far from Witch House movement. Unlike the latter, Léonie Pernet’s music still feels soft and comforting though.
♪♫ Listen: “Butterfly” + album stream
“Lost and found” is a sunny garage rock album with a symphonic folk side, provided by an haunting trumpet. Altogether, it might sometimes recall the raw sound of Neutral Milk Hotel.
♪♫ Listen: “The Violence Inside” + album stream
En attendant Ana on Facebook.
Mehdi Zannad, better known under the FUGU moniker, and Erin Moran (A girl called Eddy) have joined forces to deliver this beautiful album. It gathers classy pop (reminiscent of Charlotte Gainsbourg on “Fun Fair”), glam rock richness (the guitar solo on “Trust Your Body”) and country folk spirit (“Take my hand”).
♪♫ Listen: “Fun Fair” + album stream
Ex-composer for French mainstream artists like Jenifer and Yannick Noah, Chaton (“Kitten” in French) felt the need to write for himself. His first album is a strange, never-heard-before mix of French chanson, rap autotune and clever dub / reggae production. A cinematographic electronic music which sounds like an urban version of Nicolas Jaar’s “Space is Only Noise”. Songs like “Pas de Doute” are truly hypnotic.
♪♫ Listen: “Pas de Doute” + album stream
Chaton on Facebook.