ce qui nous traverse - Particules Sainte-Barbe
Kingfisher Bluez
Released August 3rd, 2023
There's a special feeling to behold when finding a record that looks and sounds completely cohesive. The painting on the cover of the record is a collection of cut up sentences in random order thrown on the floor. Particle Sainte-Barbe encapsulates that idea beautifully and artistically. The songs are filled with improvisation as much as they are filled with very thoughtful and artistic arrangements. The songs that stand out to me the most on this record are the Fourth track “... et des eclairs” and the sixth track “ Champ de forces” Both of these tracks build to a crescendo that sounds almost accidental while creating a unique energy and excitement in their playing. The dissonant and progressive guitar playing in these tracks have a warmness and repetitive sweetness to them even in the more aggressive sections as well as their highly energetic drumming and freak jazz saxophone squeals.
Ce qui nous traverse have been in the shadows of the Canadian music scene for around eight years quietly reinventing experimental music. Their approach while creating their music is one that I have never encountered before. The last two records have been recorded in a house in the small village of Sainte-barbe, which is where they would attempt to make music that suits the natural ambiences of the house. After their initial discovery of the house, they were filled with inspiration and would go back there frequently with different musicians to collaborate on improvisation and recording.This process went on for years while they wrote heaps of material. These recordings eventually made their way onto their debut album Le sacre de Sainte-Barbe. The record was initially going to be a triple LP but ended up being released as a double LP instead. That left the band with a very competent batch of outtakes, jams and soundscapes that they turned into their epilogue record Particules Sainte-Barbe.
The eerie and dark tones of the record draw similarities to some mid 70s Miles Davis records, specifically the album “Get Up With It”. That being said, the musical influences on this album are very hard to pin down. Which is a testimony to how unique and fresh their approach is, Making music inspired by your surroundings.
As you embark on the journey which is Particules Sainte- Barbe prepare to listen to it in its entirety as it is a beautiful and archaic piece of music that flows and transitions seamlessly.The band has recently signed with the legendary Vancouver label Kingfisher Blues for this exciting release and with no doubt in my mind are one of the most exciting experimental acts in Canada.
- Ben Lock
