Bonjour Tristesse offers a sweet and quite innocent take on synth wave. Some tracks are more rounded than others, but Svensson has achieved a warm analogue record that nods to the 80s whilst keeping a firm eye on the future of wave music.
Synth Wave has been a focal point of re-issuing for the past few years. Rare releases, obscure albums and unheard EPs. This has resurrected an interest in the wave sound and its musicians of the past. Sometimes the modern incarnations of the wave movement can take a backseat to the masters of twenty years ago. There are imprints that focus on contemporary artists and have brought to the fore some incredible acts, imprints such as Weird, Kernkrach and La Forme Lente. The latter French label has just given life to a full LP from compilation contributor Bonjour Tristesse. Anders Svensson gained rightful attention following his excellent “Partner in Crime” was released on Circuites D’Actes. Now’s he’s got an entire album to explore: On Not Knowing Who We Are.
“I Know That I’m Guilty” gets things underway. Analogue chords are layered over a steady beat. Svensson’s breathy, almost wearied, vocals have an unmistakable quality; one which permeates the album. There’s a softness to the tracks, a gentleness and fragility to them. With this is their originality. Yes, Svensson is creating Synth Pop; but his touch has a uniqueness to it. The lyrical content sits in the indie pop tradition, but the sounds are analogue and rich. The flipside opens with a retake of “Partner in Crime.” This version is cleaner but keeps the catchy ache. “If I Were Strong Enough” follows. Those whispering vocals continue with textured, but unmistakably modern, synth wave sounds paralleling. Throughout the pop aspect is undeniable, present until the end with the lilting notes “Wish.”
La Forme Lente to date have three artists albums, ADN’ Ckrystall, HNN and now Bonjour Tristesse. All three are on the Wave spectrum, but all are quite different. ADN’ dished up his perverse and strange electronics, HNN delivered diverse and accomplished sounds, Bonjour Tristesse offers a sweet and quite innocent take on synth wave. Some tracks are more rounded than others, but Svensson has achieved a warm analogue record that nods to the 80s whilst keeping a firm eye on the future of wave music.
On Not Knowing Who We Are is available on La Forme Lente.
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