All These Songs Of Love And Death
Araki, 2021
8/10
Listen to All These Songs Of Love And Death
Although France’s Mule Jenny are now a trio, this debut was actually recorded by just Etienne Gaillochet, who plays guitars, drums, bass, keys, synth, vibraphone, percussions and sings all vocals on this very interesting version of indie-rock.
“Cross The Line” opens the listen with hypnotic guitar, as frisky drumming and smooth singing enters a complicated and playful version of math-rock, and “In The Classroom” follows with shimmering percussion and bouncy bass work, where a dreamy backdrop unfolds amid much melody.
Further along, “Every Other Rendition” moves with a meticulous, angular approach that’s textured with much appeal, while “We Won’t Make A Sound” emits glowing vibraphone alongside a more tense delivery that’s full of rowdy drum fills and soulful backing vocals.
Arriving near the end, the light buzzing of “Joy And Deception” resides somewhere between indie-rock and post-rock with a nearly meditative quality, and the title track exits the listen with a warm duet that’s intimate and soars lightly with a reflective tone.
A very complicated affair that’s rich with harmony, melodies and rarely relies on traditional song structure, this first album is quite exciting and atypical. Now Gaillochet is joined by Théo Guéneau and Max Roy, so future releases should be even more adventurous.
Travels well with: Timothée Quost-Flatten The Curve; Rifo- Betel