First Glances – Candélabre
Toulouse trio Candélabre bring together aspects of shoegazing with the darker element of the post-punk movement. The band comprises Cindy Sanchez (voice), Anthony Hérigny (guitars) and Michaël De Almeida (bass and keys). The two men share percussive duties. I’m not sure how that works in a live setting, but a backing track is not unheard of in such cases. Indeed many of the group’s clear influences might have done just that. Famous 4AD acts loom largest. Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance and Xymox may have all left their imprint on the fledgling Candélabre. As surely must ‘gazer acts like Slowdive.
The band has just unveiled its Carrion Season EP, five tracks which neatly show off the act’s prowess. If you’re not that goth/coldwave inclined, don’t let the title put you off. The songs are great and the music isn’t ever hostile or inaccessible. Cindy Sanchez’ vocal will likely be pivotal to your appreciation or otherwise of Candélabre. Sanchez doesn’t sound like Liz Fraser (who does?), but is another of those cherubic yelps that at least put you in mind of the Grangemouth titan. She also recalls Cranes, perhaps a young Kate Bush and even Grimes.
See for yourself. Carrion Season is out now on BLWBCK.
Editor’s note: The name of the EP is unclear. The BLWBCK Soundcloud page suggests the EP is self-titled. However according to the bands own YouTube ‘Carrion Season’ is the “title track”.