Now an independent, French has released one of the most interesting Canadian albums of the year, Shadows. The disc is an incredibly theatrical venture—the 11 songs that make up this CD all have a cabaret feel, employing rising and falling crescendos, concertinas and lyrics that evoke Brecht. Moody and intense, Shadows has a slightly sinister feeling that draws the listener in, demanding full and absolute attention.
Songs like “Alive,” “Sincere,” “Descending and “Drowning” have titles that reflect their emotional content—a thick, rich mixture atypical of most pop music. On these tracks French sounds like fellow westerner Veda Hille. The production is solid but if there are any singles here, they don’t leap off the disc. However, French may be the kind of artist that other musicians look to when considering featuring the work of others on their own projects.
Well worth a listen.
