Malajube-Trompe-L'oeil

Rocketing straight out of French Canada, Malajube rip up the stage with a blisteringly good take on Muse-like instrumentals, coupled with delicious French vocals that convey meaning in other ways than the words themselves. With songs ranging to a slamming drum explosion of rock sound, to a piano-supported track with all the pomp and raunchiness of a French salon, Malajube provide great dynamic and some awesome tracks. "Le Crabe" is an obvious winner off Trompe-L'oeil, playing to the soft delicacy of Malajube’s French vocals, then contrasting that fragility with the onslaught of a Muse-like guitar melody coupled with more forceful vocals. Moving into "Étienne d'Août," Malajube are quieter, with more of a Shin-indie sound (not unlike "Phantom Limb"), and as always their foreign speech adds a romantic touch of exotic emotion—as does the addition of a sweetly charming string part. "Ton Plat Favori" opens with a bouncy piano solo that reminds one of raunchy salons, an idea much supported by Malajube’s high-spirited vocals soon after. The song is a peppy, light-hearted track that fits right in with the ups and downs of the rest of the album. "Fille à Plumes" is straight off a Muse album, combining dramatic guitar riffs with slamming drum beats and an ever changing melody. A fast-paced rhythm pulls you along for the ride, a sweetly divine mixture of some great influences. Malajube never stay on one thought for long, and (unless you know French quite well), we can only assume what those thoughts are. From forceful to introspective to fun-loving, Trompe-L'oeil is a great find and an essential album for fans of Muse, The Flaming Lips, or Super Furry Animals. Yay for French Canada!

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)