Montréal-based pop outfit Le Couleur — currently founding members Laurence Giroux-Do (vocals), Patrick Gosselin (bass) and Steven Chouinard (drums) along with newest members Phillipe Beaudin (percussion, synths), Jean-Cimon Tellier (guitar) and Louis-Joseph Cliche (synths, vocals) — debuted over a decade ago with 2013’s Voyage Love EP. Since then, the Canadian outfit has released 2015’s Dolce Désir EP, their critically applauded full-length debut, 2016’s P.O.P. and 2020’s Concorde, which have seen them plumb the depths of human desire, while firmly establishing a glittery and vintage-inspired electro pop sound that draws from a varied array of influences including 70s erotica, psychedelia, disco, yéyé and French chanson.
The French Canadian pop outfit’s long-awaited third album Comme dans un penthouse is slated for a September 22, 2023 release through Lisbon Lux Records. Comme dans un penthouse is reportedly a concept album that finds the band revisiting a past album character: Barbara, the assistant, who stole her former employer’s fortune on 2016’s P.O.P. Giroux-Do was drawn back to Barbara when upon returning from the Montréal-based outfit’s most recent UK tour, she began feeling that her life was “flat, beige and pointless” and developed a “fear of falling into a routine,” while Barbara’s “search for novelty, new feelings, an addiction” was roughly the opposite.
The album will feature two singles I’ve written about so far:
- “Sentiments nouveaux,” a sleek, slickly produced bop that to my ears sounded like a synthesis of Tame Impala, VEGA Intl. Night School-era Neon Indian and Nu Shooz.
- “Autobahn,” a song fittingly built around a relentless motorik pulse, glistening synth arpeggios and the Montréal-based outfit’s penchant for crafting razor sharp, catchy hooks paired with Laurence Giroux-Do’s ethereal and sultry delivery. “Autobahn” reintroduces Barbara from 2016’s P.O.P. Barbara has stole her boss’ money and fled to a collection of islands off the Panamanian coast. She has been on the run for a while, and is addicted to the chase and quest for new feelings, new experiences. Or as the members of Le Couleur says “sentiments nouveaux.” Barbara’s journey ends in a catastrophic car crash; for her, the end may well be the best way out. And yet despite the dark subject matter, “Autobahn” is the sort of song meant to be played loudly while speeding on the highway.
Built around glistening Giorgio Moroder-like synth oscillations, squiggling Nile Rodgers-like funk guitar, tight four-on-the-floor, and a relentless motorik-like pulse, Comme dans un penthouse‘s latest single “À la rencontre de Barbara,” manages to continue a remarkable run of sleek, retro-futuristic, dance floor friendly jams. But underneath the disco vibes is a tension that’s sultry, unnerving, irresistible while simultaneously nodding at classic spy thriller soundtracks and French chanson — thanks in part to a guest spot from Choses Sauvages‘ Standard Emmanuel.
The song’s title translates into English as “Meet Barbara,” and the song fleshes out the album’s main character, while chronicling her destructive lust for thrills.
Created by Nathan Nardin and his team at The NNS, which includes Steven Laudat and Alizée Legrain, only uses AI to an eerie, unsettling effect. Hardin and his collaborators aim to explore the icy social dynamics that such artificial universes can bring forth. Barbara’s dehumanization and the eerie coldness of the video’s computer-generated world is somehow quite fitting.
As Le Couleur put it, “In the heart of a glittering metropolis, a pair of shoes triggers an enigmatic quest for an elusive figure. Guided by urban lights, a traveler explores a nocturnal stroll, awakening lost memories and forgotten dreams. As secrets converge, Barbara’s mysterious story unfolds, captivating the viewer between reality and illusion.”