Another day, another genre. Today it is time to investigate some Belgian avant pop with the name in the frame being Paradoxant - Antione Meersseman, Romain Benard and Lou Wéry - and their new album “Deux”.
As seems to be the way with European bands that stray from the mainstream, Paradoxant take a downright studious approach to their music. Not an academically serious approach, however, but more one where complexity is nothing to be feared and odd stylistic choices become the norm. This gives these nine songs a sense of adventure that takes them one step out of the ordinary and that, in these plastic days, is no bad thing in my book.
Perhaps because of the mix of natural and synthetic sounds, “Deux” contains some things that sounds familiar yet, with the band’s experimental intent never far from the surface, the end result is soon stamped with the mark of uniqueness and gains consequently in matters of scope and purpose whilst, interestingly, still generating a feeling of overall positivity that transcends the occasional diversion into the realms of artistic affectation.
Best song: The entrancing “Aubade”.
Verdict: Substantial.