Sach O endorses ONE indie band a year. This is that band. Listen.
Before carpet bagging, indie-rocking Leafs fans that wouldn’t know a Smoked Meat sandwich from a proper bagel invaded Montreal*, my city already had a vibrant, self-sufficient music scene en francais. Content to move units among the Province’s 6 million Francophones, local musicians were certainly influenced by the outside world, but for the most part there was little dialogue between those aiming for the local market and those hoping to strike it big elsewhere. The last decade’s indie boom changed that to an extent, but there’s still a fairly evident divide between say, Sunset Rubdown and Malajube. The future is bright, however, and increasing cross-pollination between Montreal’s twin scenes is only furthering the cause of good music as acts like bedroom duo Eli et Papillon prove.
Splitting the difference between Franco-folk tradition and international indie pop appeal, singer Elise Larouche and instrumentalist Marc Papillon’s recorded output feels like a demo in name only. The recording’s a little rough, but in the honest way that bedroom pop is supposed to sound rather than the critic-baiting, artificially lo-fi approach currently rocking the blogs. Besides, robust production would be superfluous — with their strong songs, charismatic and gifted lead singer and attention to arrangement, Eli & Papillon’s music doesn’t need to hide behind production parlor tricks, it speaks for itself. Recalling a young Belle & Sebastian (a loaded comparison I admit) with Scottish irony replaced by Gallic Romance, the group’s lyrical concerns fall squarely upon longing, love and loss. Such earnestness could be a fatal flaw but singer Elise’s vocals propel the songs past any clichés, pulling heartstrings with uncommon clarity. With all due respect to punk’s idea that anyone can sing, it’s nice to hear a contemporary indie record by someone who can actually sing.
Songs like “Coffre Fort” highlight this with delicate multi-tracking and an understated combination of strings, piano keys, acoustic guitars and a haunting violin solo. Everything is remarkably up front, revealing a confidence in their songwriting and an admirable restraint in the face of potential schmaltziness. “Train de Vie” is raw and folky featuring provincial acoustic guitar, words and little else again highlighting the strength of the song. It’s tracks like “Une chanson pour tout dire” that surprise the most however, taking the duo out of their comfort zone and into even more delicate territory recalling classic chamber-pop in the Bacharach tradition, had Bacharach recorded in Paris.
I’ve passed this demo around to a couple of people and it’s never failed to surprise, probably because it scratches musical itches that don’t get much attention these days. There’s no shortage of quality music out there, but with pop gone meta and indie alternating between nostalgic adolescence and haughty intellectualism, it’s nice to hear a project that puts an emphasis on strong songs and quality arrangements, qualities that’ll never go out of style. The formula may not remain complicated but it’s a joy to find a group that still believes in the unironic love song without falling victim to cloying tweeisms.
I’ve provided a few MP3s here but Eli et Papillon are giving out the full demo out to anyone who wants it, just send them a request via Myspace or leave a comment here and someone will get back to you with a link.
*If you understand any of this, mazel tov mon ami.
Download:
MP3: Eli et Papillon – “Coffre Fort”
MP3: Eli et Papillon – “Train de vie”
MP3: Eli et Papillon – “Une Chanson Pour tout Dire”
18 comments
Omar says:
March 4, 2010 at 6:26 am (UTC -7)
Giving this a listen, never heard anything in French besides Booba and MC Solaar so….
robert says:
July 5, 2011 at 6:59 am (UTC -7)
c’est magnifique! if someone could offer me a link for download, iw ould be very thankful!
Omar says:
March 4, 2010 at 6:32 am (UTC -7)
Although I don’t understand a word of it it does sound pretty good, in a light, unique way.
Aly says:
March 4, 2010 at 6:37 am (UTC -7)
This band is really, quite lovely. Talented and unpretentious – now that’s something new for the genre. I would love to have that demo, but i no longer have access to myspace. If you could get to me with the link, that would be much, much, appreciated.
Thanks for the post!
Nick says:
March 4, 2010 at 8:01 am (UTC -7)
i’d take a link, if anyone is offering
Nicolette says:
March 4, 2010 at 1:29 pm (UTC -7)
Wow! Just heard the music, I can speak french and those lyrics are really beautiful and intelligent. Its hard to find good pop music nowadays this has a je-ne-sais-quoi, Im going to show it to everyone I know!! Are they doing and album soon??
Love it!!
dudeasincool says:
March 4, 2010 at 11:56 pm (UTC -7)
Coffre Fort is a killer track. Thanx for the intro.
Gronda says:
April 27, 2010 at 3:41 pm (UTC -7)
I’d love the link the the demo if anyone has it. This is beautiful music.
JudeanPeoplesFront says:
May 5, 2010 at 10:22 pm (UTC -7)
Wow, Une Chanson Pour tout Dire is just beautiful. I would love to hear more. =)
Ann says:
May 16, 2010 at 9:17 am (UTC -7)
This is absolutely lovely, I would love to hear the demo, if I’m not too late
Reni says:
May 19, 2010 at 10:42 am (UTC -7)
Would love a link to this demo. Stumbled upon this while looking for “rainy day music.” Perfect fit.
Mer says:
May 19, 2010 at 5:46 pm (UTC -7)
I’d love the link to download the demo please! Love their music.
Megan says:
June 25, 2010 at 5:15 pm (UTC -7)
If there are still any Demos left, I’d love one!
Rob says:
July 14, 2010 at 4:24 pm (UTC -7)
First heard on stereomood.com Love it and would love a demo link. Thanks.
Casey says:
January 9, 2011 at 9:50 pm (UTC -7)
Same here. Beautiful stuff, would love to hear more!
Britt says:
July 18, 2010 at 1:49 pm (UTC -7)
Ya’ll can get these 3 songs by right-clicking them and downloading em
just fyi.
Val says:
January 15, 2011 at 5:01 pm (UTC -7)
You can download their album on Itunes! So very worth it!!
jeannie lorenz says:
May 13, 2011 at 8:41 am (UTC -7)
I would like a link. I am not on Myspace.
Thanks!
Jeannie