Angini Pai
Kingdom of Trees
[en]
On his debut album as a vocalist, Marc Crofts turns to his English roots. Threading together flashes of Brit rock, jazz-pop grooves and psychedelic ballads, the record traces a personal map of his anglophone influences, that range from Benjamin Britten to David Byrne, The Smiths, Thom York, and even Kevin Burke's fiddle. Each song unfolds like a short story, shaped by unexpected harmonic turns and dreamlike nature-infused imagery.
Rather than setting out to make an indie record, Marc approached songwriting as a composer—drawing together his English roots, classical and jazz background, and love of folk, into a deeply personal musical world.
Though his voice now takes centre stage, Crofts never relinquishes his violin, which remains a defining presence throughout. The music is further elevated by Louis Matute’s wistful guitar and Andrew Audiger’s imaginative keyboards, with Cyril Billot on bass and Marton Kiss on drums providing an elegant rythmic counterpoint.
The disc Kingdom of Trees was produced by Robin Girod aka Komet City, recorded and mixed by Noé Franklé and mastered by Simon Lancelot
[fr]
Pour son premier disque en tant que chanteur, Marc Crofts explore ses racines anglaises. Entre clins d'œil au Brit rock, grooves jazz-pop et ballades psychédéliques, il trace la cartographie de ses influences anglophones, allant de Benjamin Britten à Thom York en passant par David Byrne, The Smiths où encore le fiddle de Kevin Burke. Chaque chanson est comme une nouvelle, faite de détours harmoniques inattendus et d'évocations oniriques de la nature.
Si la voix est au centre cette fois-ci, le violoniste n'abandonne pas pour autant son instrument, toujours présent en filigrane. On retrouve également la guitare intimiste de Louis Mature et les claviers texturés d'Andrew Audiger, répondant au tandem rythmique élégant formé par Cyril Billot à la basse et Marton Kiss à la batterie.
Le disque Kindom of Trees a été produit par Robin Girod aka Komet City, enregistré et mixé par Noé Franklé et masterisé par Simon Lancelot
The first single Saudade 84 will be out on October 30th on Wise Bird Records
Photo: Angini Pai