A blend of ‘70s rock sensibilities with a touch of new wave synth and a distinctly ‘90s saxophone, the new EP Rêve Perdu by Less AUTRE, released early January, is a fantastic composite of what made those Eras not only fun, but meaningful.
The rhythmic grooves on this release are both thoughtful and entertaining. It’s the foundation for the kind of rock that I want to hear, and what’s built on top of it is a clear and sleek production of modern studio techniques that reveal the character and musicianship that is accessible with hooks for days.
This six-piece indie rock outfit from Aarschot, Belgium belts their songs in French and hits hard enough to knock me off my feet without taking the air from my lungs.
I’m moved to get up and dance through most of this EP while I contemplate the longing and quiet moments that make life worth the hardship.
The album title track, “Rêve Perdu,” is my favorite of this collection. It translates to “Lost Dream” and is the focal point that explores the greater concepts of the full EP in this singular track. One line, which translates to “I shout your name, but no one answers me,” highlights the notion that this record: “revolves around the delicate triangle between time, space, and the complex dynamics of life. The theme comes to life in a symphony of secret loves, intense longing, and dreamy ideals.”
Memory and time may separate us from that which makes us nostalgic, but this music acknowledges that the flame still burns as long as one is still alive.
Being one who does not speak or understand French, these serious themes come through in the music in spite of how much it makes me want to drop everything and dance.
I thoroughly enjoy this EP and am confident it will be in my rotation for quite some time!
1. “Tu Verras” The EP opens with a mid-tempo rock groove that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Once a synth kicks into the mix, I’m absolutely hooked to the end. A guitar solo before the final chorus brought a smile to my face before the song ends with a whisper.
2. “Ma Fête!” The opening bass sound takes me back to my punk rock days in a basement without the uptempo. This really caught my attention through multiple listens as it carries all the power of youthful energy, but with the steady hand of experience. This music was made for dreamers.
3. “Rêve Perdu” Downright love the guitars that open this song as it puts forth a fun bounce that sets the pace. Lyrics that translate to, “I shout your name but no one answers me,” are heartbreaking. A bridge is fully occupied by a saxophone and synth lines that suggest a David Fincher vibe. I must reiterate here that this is my favorite song on the EP.
4. “Driving Too Fast” The guitar has a spacious open feel to it. This is the kind of song where one closes their eyes and can hallucinate the same scene as the next person. A scenic desert route that seems devoid of life until one takes a closer look… open highway stretches out for eternity, only to be interrupted by a mirage that suggests there’s water just beyond the horizon, but alas… the fantasy remains dry as the sand at our feet. The saxophone and rhythmic synths continue forward with a feeling that reminds me again of a David Fincher film. That’s the kind of romantic space this song occupies. It’s the kind of road trip I want to take in spite of the dangers suggested in the title.
5.”L’assassin Menacé” Pure attitude drips from this song. It’s as aggressive as we get. The drums on this track sound as though they were recorded with anger behind the playing. The bridge is carried out with a saxophone solo that I can’t help but adore. This has the authentic feel of a punk anthem.
6. “Pas Petit” Uptempo track that has a blend of ska thanks to the driving horns. This one takes me back to a place in time that no longer exists, but I can’t help but smile for the experience. Pure danceable fun!
7. “La Lune” concludes the EP by slowing down and touring another liminal space that has those David Fincher qualities. The overall feeling is weird for the sake of speaking truth, punching up, cultivating community to find oneself at the conclusion of it all, alone… and yet, in spite of the quiet and desperate longing… a grateful sensation washes over me.
Hear Album
Follow Less AUTRE
https://www.instagram.com/lessautre/
https://m.facebook.com/lessautre/
https://m.youtube.com/@lessautre2316
https://vi.be/platform/lessautre
Comments
Post a Comment