The word “retro” is normally used with a good connotation, or at least a purely aesthetic one. And even though Kate Bush’s unexpected return to the charts (and her first number one single since 1978’s “Wuthering Heights”) does indeed provide a silver lining to an otherwise rather depressing landscape, a perfect storm combining escalating heatwaves across the world, the worst UK rail strike in 30 years, an ongoing war and pandemic, a divided French parliament following the legislative elections, and the Roe vs Wade overturning tragedy seems to insist on bringing about a Summer of Discontent. Not even the much-awaited return of Primavera happened without the occasional incident.
Speaking of storms and Primaveras, the first weekend of the festival also coincided with Paris beloved weekender We Love Green, which also seemed to be undergoing an unfortunate curse when on Saturday evening a huge thunderstorm forced all activities to pause and eventually be halted altogether. Nevertheless, some 300km southwest of Paris the French edition of Levitation was taking place rather smoothly—which makes us wonder if the curse doesn’t only apply to the City of Light.
And for any of you already suffering in anticipation for having scheduled your first vacations in three years and seeing the chaos mounting in airports everywhere, we have just what you need: put on your headphones and press play on these brand new French tunes we have selected to accompany you on your journey. Your flight may be delayed, but Bonjour Motherfuckers always arrives at the perfect time.
Paris label Hot Mule releases A.B. Crentsil single
It’s been a while since the last time Hot Mule treated us to one of their fantastic re-releases, but it was well worth the wait: this time it’s a single by Ghanaian musician A.B. Crentsil, a heavyweight of Highlife music and once a main vocalist of 1970s group Sweet Talks. “Obi Baa Wiase” (b/w “Sika Be Ba”) is the result of a session Crentsil did with Charles Amoah, who composed and produced the two tracks; think synth west-meets-ethno pop—and you may start to get the idea. Check it out on Hot Mule’s bandcamp, where you can also buy the vinyl.
edgar déception share new single “edgar pleut toujours sous ta fenêtre de merde”
And now for some indie-emo-tweepunk from Paris/Bordeaux trio edgar déception, whose new EP clown clown dead is set for release this fall via Flippin’ Freaks Records and Howlin Banana Records. “edgar pleut toujours sous ta fenêtre de merde” is the lead single, described in a press release as a “malicious pastiche of pop-punk love songs” that will please fans of Roidz and Weezer. You can watch the animated video by Eva Seniak above; the track is now up for grabs via Bandcamp.
Docks unveil shoegaze single “Lilas”
After a split cassette with Fleuve released last October, Toulouse duo Docks are back with a stunning showgaze-y single called “Lilas” which they are self-releasing as a postcard record. Contemplative and fragile, “Lilas” was recorded at home and subsequently mixed and mastered by Daniel Selig; the artwork is from Manon Raupp. Head over to their bandcamp for streaming and purchase, and be sure to keep an eye on their upcoming live dates.
La Féline previews new album with single “Place de Verdun”
Agnès Gayraud aka La Féline has shared a new song and video that serve as a taster of her upcoming new album Tarbes, due out in October via Kwaidan Records. “Place de Verdun” is a tense, somewhat mysterious-sounding tune carried by a superb bass line we see Gayraud playing in the Sylvère Bourjaillat-directed clip—which is set in Place de Verdun, of course. Check it out above.
TH Da Freak announce new LP, share “Magaly Should Run”
It’s not to say they’ve particularly silent new music-wise, but a new LP is always a reason to bring your attention back to Thoineau-led project TH Da Freak. The latest offering is indie-folk single “Magaly Should Run” and its lo-fi video directed by Clément Pelofy: featuring Elliott Smith-inspired vocals and a laid-back atmosphere, the song is a promising preview of forthcoming album Coyote, which is set for release in the fall via Howlin Banana and Flippin’ Freaks Records.
No need to look any further if you run out of new music this Summer: the Bonjour Motherfuckers sampler is here to help you choose your next favourite band and release from an array of artists, genres, and sounds. Press play below.
