Spring Break
Sadier's new French indie sound
Phillip Kazanjian
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
It can be agreed that musical artists develop side projects to experiment and to possibly leave their former style or sound. Monade, with their third album "Monstre Cosmic," is hard to justify as a legitimate side project for Laetitia Sadier, Monade's lead singer. Sadier is best known for her work as the singer and lyricist for the band Stereolab. This lack of deviation from their origin band is a double-bladed sword; if you liked the music crafted from Stereolab, then you will certainly enjoy this new album, but if you disliked their music, then "Monstre Cosmic" will do nothing to alter your opinion and if you have never heard of either band, then it is all for the better.
The band is French and as such, 95 percent of the time, the lyrics themselves are also in French. The soothing, feel good (even if not understood) vocals are backed primarily by melodic piano and bass riffs, but the moog, tambourine, and trombone are also interestingly integrated into these gentle auditory experiences. I will admit that I personally only understood one or two words per track and with my handicap I can only review these pieces of work through the moods that they so wonderfully present.
Instrumentally, the beats vary only to a small degree, but through Sadier's voice, we are treated to a large variety of moods and feelings; there is no denying that she has a beautiful amount of control over her voice. Most of the songs are rather straight forward in presentation, only subtly changing through out their plays, all that is, with the exception of "Elle Topo." "Elle Topo" goes across the spectrum of instruments, allowing all of Monade's band members to be heard distinctly and individually as they travel different tempos.
"Monstre Cosmic" would make a perfect introduction to a different culture's definition of "indie," and for those that already enjoy Monade, there is no doubt that they should treat themselves to this new release as well.
The band is French and as such, 95 percent of the time, the lyrics themselves are also in French. The soothing, feel good (even if not understood) vocals are backed primarily by melodic piano and bass riffs, but the moog, tambourine, and trombone are also interestingly integrated into these gentle auditory experiences. I will admit that I personally only understood one or two words per track and with my handicap I can only review these pieces of work through the moods that they so wonderfully present.
Instrumentally, the beats vary only to a small degree, but through Sadier's voice, we are treated to a large variety of moods and feelings; there is no denying that she has a beautiful amount of control over her voice. Most of the songs are rather straight forward in presentation, only subtly changing through out their plays, all that is, with the exception of "Elle Topo." "Elle Topo" goes across the spectrum of instruments, allowing all of Monade's band members to be heard distinctly and individually as they travel different tempos.
"Monstre Cosmic" would make a perfect introduction to a different culture's definition of "indie," and for those that already enjoy Monade, there is no doubt that they should treat themselves to this new release as well.
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