Second Mansions
Kecharitomene, 2025
9/10
After nearly a decade and a half on hiatus, the Los Angeles synth-pop outfit, Le Concorde (the recording project of Stephen Becker), returns with plenty of help for 13 tracks of ‘80s sophistipop fun.
“Corpus Christi” leads with thumping drums and bright synth that suits the animated singing and bright mood, and “Morning By Morning” follows with cozy bass and pretty keys that illuminate the emotive vocals and romantic demeanor.
Landing in the middle, “Memorare” comes with some more muscular moments amid the light melodies and dreamy atmosphere, while “We Are The Songs” is a lush and hazy bout of soft keys, intimate singing and cinematic qualities.
Close to the end, the thumping drums of “Saint Jude” help the tune land in alt-rock territory that invites singing-along or even dancing, and “The Devil Is A Mad Dog On A Chain”, the last track before another version of an earlier track and bonus tune, embraces post-punk nods via the dynamic instrumentation, many vocalists and shimmering harmonics.
A comeback album that carries a nostalgic feel, Roger Joseph Manning, Pino Palladino, Liam Bradley, Ken Stringfellow and many others lend their talents to this artistic and pop influenced experience that’s soaked in melody.
Travels well with: Wonderlick- Wonderlick Goes To War; Toy City- Toy City