musicallymodernmaven

By: Nadia D.

Jul 13 2014

Category: Alternative, Electronic, experimental, Fresh, Independent, Indie, International, Music, New, Norway, Norwegian, Playlist, Review, Tastemaker, Uncategorized, Underground

9 Comments

So, a funny thing happened recently that both humbled and flattered me: Cafe Superstar Recordings in Norway reached out to ME to review an EP recently released by “indie-electro darlings” Musique Le Pop. WHAAAA?!

Of course I jumped at the opportunity.

It’s been a little over a week since I sent them my initial thoughts. Initially I had intended to write up the post directly after, but then I thought better of it. I put the EP away and have been listening obsessively to new material. This track-by-track review will be done with fresh ears.

Are you ready? Listen as you read:

Musique Le Pop
l’été
released 5 June 2014

1. Mateo – I find it slightly amusing that a Norwegian band has taken such a tropical influence on. I mean, watch the video! (end of this post) (Spoiler Alert! It’s like a mix between the B-52s, Peggy Bundy, and a Lady Gaga video.) Though I did take a break from this EP to listen with fresh ears, I distinctly remember that this track evoked thoughts of Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita” and a couple of tracks off Ejecta’s most recent release (“Jeremiah” and “It’s Only Love”, if you’ll recall the review). Truly, not a bad thing! It’ll get stuck in your head. What do they call those? Earworms? Earwigs? Who cares… people around you will wonder why you’re dancing.

2. In My Arms – 80s synth-pop goodness. I mean, I wanna throw on some neon-colored leg warmers, side-srunchie-ponytail the hell out of my overly processed hair, and go walk the mall. Picture your ultimate 80s outfit, the quintessential 80s party, and frolicking on the beach with your 80s-clad crush (either a hunky dude in pastel swim trunks and Ken-doll hair, or a bronzed babe in a high-cut, Baywatch-esque one-piece, your choice) — this is what’s playing over your montage movie scene. Bam. 

3. Turn to Sand – So apparently this has gained some momentum overseas. I see why! This song, individually, is a lot of fun while still being mellow. I wanna roll my windows down and drive to it. However, being placed after the previous two tracks, by now my brain is starting to wander a bit. There needs to be a bit of a change-of-pace in between this and the previous track, IMO. Also, the track listens between this and the next two tracks show a significant drop off, according to the SoundCloud track-listing, which tells me that others have felt the same.

4. Falling In Love – This is something to make-out under the stars to. Like, on the hood of a convertible. Which I’ve never done, but if I meet a guy with a convertible… Whether or not you fall in love with that person is a totally different story, but hey! No judgement! 

5. Dream Out Loud – Arguably my favorite track on this entire EP. This needs to be that little break between the synth-heavy “In My Arms” and call-attention-to-it “Turn to Sand”. The best thing about this track is how imperfect it is. Yeah, it’s dreamy. Yeah, it’s almost childlike. It’s charming! And how often do you get to hear anything like a guitar in an electro lineup? Well done. 🙂 

FINAL THOUGHTS: I feel like this band could do well Stateside, especially with the likes of CHVRCHES, Ejecta, and Cut Copy blazing their trails through the indie scene. This EP has potential, but the final product better bring it. With a little bit of tweaking, flawless production, and clever song placement, this will be an album to play on repeat. ♦♦♦/5.

Check out the video for Mateo below, and tell me your thoughts.