After two albums under this moniker, Jibé Calluaud (ex-April, owner of the Hesat Recordings Studios and creator of the Automne musical webserie), 'Living Ends' (2015) and 'Sequoia' (2016) released a third full-length record from his studio dark folk/nu-classical solo project Farewell with 'Spinoza' self-released on Spring 2021.
Ten new titles recorded at Hesat Recordings studios (Bordeaux) with additional drummer Xavier Richard, lyric vocalist Emma Cauvin and a featuring with Madly Stock on “Will”. This album is about peace. Many of the songs are about failure, learning how to move on stronger from a difficult situation and finally find peace and understanding.
Lockdown: we all have been in some kind of lockdown and might go under a new lockdown soon as covid-19 is striking again as there are too many anti-vaxxers and too many people refusing to be smart and keep distance, put on a mask, keep contacts low and minimize all risks. So yes: we can all use a song about a lockdown! This one mixes a guitar with an eclectic electronic touch. There is also a nice piano. The vocals go from whispering to singing. It’s a good opening track that works with a bit of suspense and a slice of the more recent work of NIN.
If sounds very warm and well worked out. I like the guitar sound and the electronic parts whilst the vocals are really heavenly and indeed remind me very strong of April (I will shut up about it after this one: but I was a huge fan and the breaking up hit me hard). It seems like the eclectic electronic touch is something that will come back in almost every song. I feel like this song has a lot of potential!
U-Turn reminds me of the happy electro-disco sound of Auto-Auto mixed with a more lay down feel. I like the modern sound and the cool clip!
As Long As You Believe has a nice Indie-Rock sound with great vocals and the perfect studio sound! It’s clear that Jibé is not only a good singer but also has a great studio equipped with the best gear and superb studio skills! I expect this song to be played on many radio’s as it has the potential to conquer a lot of hearts!
Let Them Talk sounds like a mix between spring and winter; there is a shiny and happy part but also something dark and unhappy. It’s a nice struggle between both of them. I adore the part where the vocals sound very sweet. The drums play an important role in the mood setting.
Scarlatine starts with a very warm piano sound and an almost whispering voice. Towards the end it changes more into a rocker. I have a feeling it’s a bit short, but that is just because I got completely into the track and lost track of time!
Underneath starts like a bomb and is one of the heaviest tracks on this album. Feel the energy and the outburst from underneath!
Will (Feat. Madly Stock) is a beauty and a great duet that reminds me of the better tracks from April. The piano gives this song a warm sound whilst the electronic part enchants a more eclectic feel. The guitar plays gently in the background. It’s a very angelic song! I’m pretty sure a lot of people love it!
I Am Multiple starts in a very gentle and low key way with just a piano and a guitar hidden in the background. You won’t hear any vocals until at least halfway. The female vocals sound like as if they want to bewitch you. I’m not sure what’s the meaning of this song and it also stops suddenly.
Closure and yes: there is again a piano on the lead! Towards the end the tempo goes up. You wont hear any vocals and thus is a bit strange for me as an end song.
Well; this album has some good things rolling. I clearly hear Jibé’s touch from the past. To be more specific: I hear now how much influence he had in April (a band I really loved). I heard enough potential and would only change the end and come with a blast and vocals in the last song (ok: the tempo goes up towards the end, but still). Good work and looking forward to get more new stuff in the near future!
