Bernard Collot is a Reims, France-based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and creative mastermind behind the French post-punk recording project Not A Number (N.A.N.) Late last year, Collot signed with North Shadows Records, who released his Not A Number debut EP Wave earlier this month both digitally and as a limited run cassette.
Wave EP features the 4AD Records-like “Black Water,” which I wrote about some time ago on this site. The EP’s latest single “Run Away,” much like its immediate predecessor seems indebted to 4AD Records post-punk: shimmering and reverb drenched guitars, gated drums, angular bass lines and a soaring hook paired with Collot’s achingly plaintive vocals singing about a universal experience the lifting of deep grief and heartache and falling back in love again. And as a result, while being brooding, the song evokes a sense of hope.
The accompanying video for “Run Away” was shot on Malta and follows Collot wandering around the island nation’s shoreline and winding streets and alleyways by himself. With the video occasionally becoming glitchy, there’s a sense that we might all be watching in the matrix.
Run again All this time, I felt the pain Wait outside in (the) driving rain Run and run, and run again, After dark, I felt nothing And one day I crossed your eyes My grief faded. No more lies Run and run, and run again, after light, I felt in love Why run, run again ? After rain comes fair weather Why run, run again ? Since I found my soulmate I succumb to your charm You bewitch me, I lose my mind Run and run again, devour me and taste me (I) Want to give you every day Make love, again and again See your body, touch your face Our hearts are in pace Why run, run again ? After rain comes fair weather Why run, run again ? Since I found my soulmate Why run, run again ? After rain comes fair weather Why run, run again ? Since I found my soulmate
