Dive
Self-Released, 2018
8/10
A Marseille duo comprised of Marie-Anne Lamauve and Gilles Fournat, the pair are well versed in both hushed and fuller moments of pop and blues song craft, where their careful storytelling illuminates this first album.
“Stuck On The Floor” starts with some warm, spirited acoustic guitar strumming before smooth, pretty female vocals enter the blues influenced rock, and “Shake Me Up” follows with a finger snapping, playful tune of cozy texturing.
The back half of the listen offers the tambourine fueled pop friendly melodica of “Cycle Cycle”, as well as the intricate guitar work of the calm, elegant “Down To My River”, that’s got plenty of rhythm and easily stands out as the best track present.
The pair exit the EP with a live tune, as the intimate “How You Play With Me” glides with raw beauty, where the vocal display of Lamauve is nothing short of flawless.
A quick listen at just over 20 minutes, there’s much potential with Skand, as their collectively strong songwriting prowess makes Dive an exceptional debut.
Travels well with: Scarlet Rivera- All Of Me; Rory Block- Prove It On Me