Traces
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The debut from the Montreal drummer, producer and composer Will Régnier, the 9 tracks here present diverse, instrumental sounds, where Marcus Lowry, Yannick Anctil and Alex Le Blanc are all in attendance.
The quick and cautious “Exit” opens the listen with Le Blanc’s soft double bass and Régnier’s skilled drums creating much atmosphere, and this segues into “Lights Out”, where Lowry’s intricate electric guitar is met with Anctil’s well timed keys.
Moving towards the middle, “Whereto” offers a rich and precise interaction between the agile players, while “Smoke And Mirrors” showcases the plucked bass amid the twinkling piano that suit the melodic gestures of the album’s best.
Residing close to the end, “Comme des traces oubliées” places both Lowry and Régnier on acoustic guitar alongside the dancing keys, and “Farewell” exits with a mesmerizing delivery via the hazy guitar, moody keys and crisp drums that carry a progressive feel.
A first album that isn’t short on improvisation, spontaneity and a collaborative vision, there’s a folk storytelling aspect to these songs, and the unpredictable time signatures add even more intrigue.
Travels well with: Casey MacGill- Love Letter; John Herberman- Spring Comes Early