Figures

Description

This double album is the first true 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), striving to cheerfully blend and deconstruct genres to create its own musical universe. Each of its albums is stylistically different from the others, although sharing a common aesthetic and foundations. "LEGENDARY AND UNMISSABLE! " AND THE MAGIC HAPPENS: A RESURRECTED AKSAK MABOUL UNVEILS A SYNTHETIC AND FLESHY POP, WITH A ROBUST AND ENCHANTING GROOVE, WITH WITTY MELODIES AND LYRICS.. " --- TÉLÉRAMA ---. " BRILLIANT, ASTONISHINGLY MODERN ... " --- LIBÉRATION ---. " EXPERIMENTAL FLIGHTS, BETWEEN PROTO-ELECTRO, KRAUT AND JAZZ, WHICH IMMEDIATELY SET THE BAR AT AN UNEXPECTED LEVEL... " --- LE SOIR ---. " The experimental pop group Aksak Maboul was – and still is – one of a kind… A REVELATION! " --- QUIETUS ---. The legendary experimental pop group returns with a new album titled 'Figures', entirely conceived and produced over the past two years by Marc Hollander (founder of Aksak Maboul and the Crammed Discs label) and Véronique Vincent (who was the singer of Honeymoon Killers). 'Figures' is a double album comprising 22 tracks and interludes, born from the surge of ideas that arose after a hiatus 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 inimitable way to deliver a dense and unclassifiable work. Electronic and acoustic instrumentation, programming and improvisation, melodies, beats, layered lyrics, found objects and sound collages compose a veritable labyrinth, riddled with correspondences and secret passages. 'Figures' lasts approximately 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 listen of the album to savor all its details. Véronique Vincent and Marc Hollander wrote the album together, following parallel, mirrored trajectories, each with its own logic and universe. Enigmatic and finely crafted, nourished by her proximity to poetry and painting, Véronique's lyrics weave a tight web that unfolds against the sound kaleidoscope crafted by Marc (who composed and arranged all the music with the exception of one song co-written and performed as a duet 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 the majority of the album in their studio. Alongside them, 'Figures' will feature the young members of the current live iteration 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: the 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.