L@ Dérive (The Drift)
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The singer and multi-instrumentalist Armelle LC welcomes a large handful guest musicians on this very well thought out and worldly listen that touches on classical, pop, folk, indie and experimental ideas.
“I wish…” opens the listen with Mike Sington’s atmospheric synth complementing the cinematic, dreamy climate of soft singing, and “High Time” follows with Armelle’s soaring, pretty pipes alongside Thierry Chassang’s production skills and plenty of gorgeous string manipulation.
In the middle, “Poétique” benefits much from Thérèse Johnston’s harpsichord in the verses and piano in the chorus, as Armelle’s distinct vocals get much more firm, while “A New Penelope” embraces Philippe Joucla’s electric guitar and Paul Jenkins’ classical guitar for the mysterious and warm Eastern influences.
“False Divisions” arrives near the end and places Lucie Martineau on cello for the poetic and very expressive album highlight, and “Where (the drift)” exits the listen with TNO handling guitar and Amanyth contributing strings and percussion to the powerful, memorable finish.
A very artistic endeavor that has singing in both English and French, L@ Dérive is a concept album, where reality made of symbols and myths are often harp focused, although Armelle also plays synth, keyboards, strings, piano, harpsichord, bass guitar, bendir, tambourine, Indonesian rain stick, Tubular bells and kikongi on this very delicate and atmospheric journey.
Travels well with: Bruno Karnel- Las Ilusiones; Maya Magub- Consolations