Figures

Description

This double album is the first truly new release from the legendary experimental pop group Aksak Maboul in several decades. Founded by Marc Hollander in 1977 with Vincent Kenis, Aksak Maboul has constantly changed its form and lineup throughout its existence (the only permanent member being its founder), cheerfully blending and deconstructing genres to create its own musical universe. Each of its albums is stylistically different from the others, while sharing a common aesthetic and foundation.LEGENDARY AND ESSENTIAL!" AND THE MAGIC HAPPENS: A RESURRECTED AKSAK MABOUL UNFOLDS A SYNTHETIC AND LUSH POP, WITH A STRONG AND ENCHANTING GROOVE, AND PIQUANT MELODIES AND LYRICS..." --- TÉLÉRAMA ---." BRILLIANT, ASTONISHINGLY MODERN..." --- LIBÉRATION ---." EXPERIMENTAL FLIGHTS, BETWEEN PROTO-ELECTRO, KRAUT AND JAZZ, THAT IMMEDIATELY SET THE BAR AT AN UNEXPECTED LEVEL..." --- LE SOIR ---." The experimental pop group Aksak Maboul was -and still is- unique in its kind... A REVELATION!" --- QUIETUS ---.The legendary experimental pop group returns with a new record titled 'Figures', entirely conceived and produced over the last two years by Marc Hollander (founder of Aksak Maboul and the Crammed Discs label) and Véronique Vincent (who was the singer of The Honeymoon Killers).'Figures' is a double album comprising 22 tracks and interludes, stemming from the influx of ideas that emerged after a pause of more than thirty years. Drawing from the multiple sources that have always inspired the group (electronic, pop, jazz, contemporary music, minimalism, etc.), Aksak Maboul transcends and reconfigures them in its own inimitable way to deliver a dense and unclassifiable work. Electronic and acoustic instrumentation, programming and improvisation, melodies, beats, multi-layered lyrics, found objects and sound collages compose a true labyrinth, filled with correspondences and secret passages. 'Figures' lasts about 75 minutes, and thus displays a marked skepticism towards the myth that the public suffers from an attention deficit: Aksak Maboul fans will certainly be delighted to engage in an immersive listening of the album to savor all its details.Véronique Vincent and Marc Hollander wrote the album together, following parallel, mirroring trajectories, each with its own logic and universe. Enigmatic and chiseled, nourished by its proximity to poetry and painting, Véronique's lyrics weave a tight fabric that unfolds against the sound kaleidoscope elaborated by Marc (who composed and arranged all the music except for one song co-written and performed as a duo by Véronique and Julien Gasc). Véronique Vincent is also the author of the drawings and paintings that illustrate the cover and booklet. The protagonists recorded most of the album in their studio. Alongside them, one will find in 'Figures' the young members of the current stage lineup of Aksak Maboul: Faustine Hollander (bass, vocals, co-production), guitarist Lucien Fraipont (Robbing Millions) and drummer Erik Heestermans. As well as contributions from several invited friends: iconic improviser Fred Frith, Steven Brown of Tuxedomoon, members of Aquaserge (Julien Gasc, Audrey Ginestet and Benjamin Glibert), former members of the group (including Michel Berckmans), etc.The release of 'Figures' will be followed by that of a 45 rpm EP titled 'Charles F. Bleisftift', comprising variations on four tracks from the album.