The QUB musique playlist of February 17, 2023

UPDATE DAY

What to listen to through all the news? Stéphane Plante and Mélissa Pelletier from QUB musique point out 5 essentials!

Life – Arthur H ****

Listen to Life, it is to find this sometimes evasive poetry of the albums of Arthur H. Abstract at the limit. Never abstruse however. Carried by rhythms that are just fluid enough. As in the title track masterfully opening the offering with its bewitching, twirling violins. We gladly let ourselves be lulled by the hoarse voice of Arthur H even if it takes on welcome intonations that deviate from its usual register on The Ocean. Whether he punctuates them or whispers them, Arthur H honors the words of Léonore Mercier as Titanic and Innocence attest to them. Small flat for Addict, yet another reference to the obsession with social media (if you thought Serge Fiori had emptied the subject with The world is virtual, think again). Fortunately, Control Madness brings us home with an epic bordering on dystopian science fiction as only Arthur H can recite it. Moreover, many musical or lyrical avenues come under the 7th art. Like El Magnifico which would not swear on the soundtrack of a thriller. Early fans of the Bachibouzouk or Trouble-fête era will find their way here. AndLifecould even encourage some neophytes to dive into the complete Arthur H. (Stéphane Plante)

Fuzzy memories – Désirée ****

AfterLa Voix in 2017 and his first album Madeleinein 2019, the singer and pianist needed to take stock. This rediscovery of herself went through a plunge into her most intimate torments. Hard to imagine a better guide than Antoine Corriveau, director, to delve into these dark subjects. Sophisticated, vibrant and atmospheric all at once, the indie pop arrangements become the perfect foundation for Désirée's raspy voice, which proves even more magnificent in vulnerability. A moving, gripping listen, which is likely to strike many ears. (Mélissa Pelletier)

In Abstracto – The Arsonists *** *

Ten years since the Montreal band hadn't offered us a new album. But their return shouldn't go unnoticed with this perfect concise condensed pop, beautifully crafted. Especially with Le parfum du Tao. Although the guys have often been compared to The Cure and Indochine (Albertine rediscovered), In Abstractoremains, with its arpeggios full of chorus effects, really prepared in the manner of the Incendiary. We hope not to wait another 10 years for their next album. (Stéphane Plante)

A spangle in the gears – Samuele ***1/2

Samuele has a beautiful joy in his voice to mark his return! For the record: after a burnout and a reflection on his gender, the artist now assumes trans and non-binary. This path gives way to luminous pieces with a catchy groove, where gentleness and irreverence rub shoulders. Without losing any of his gift for poetry, in this book-album they notably address the setting of limits, anxiety and love, never brushing against heaviness. (Mélissa Pelletier) 

Tea time with Margaret Tracteur – Margaret Tracteur ****

Project led by the talented Gabrielle Noël Bégin who here tackles a wide variety of subjects on folk tunes, country and bluegrass subject to the rhythm of the banjo with jerky chords. Whether talking about the suburbs, the environment and even the Iron Lady that inspired her name (Austéri-thé), she elegantly masters playful turns. In addition to yodling wonderfully on Ferland-Boilleau's Le yodel while keeping an undeniable punk-rock look. (Stéphane Plante)

READ ALSO: