Following an ambitious solo detour that saw him setting the poetry of Baudelaire to music, French singer/songwriter
François Marry returns to work on his primary project,
François & the Atlas Mountains. Ironically, the sixth release by his longtime band is essentially another solo outing, this time in collaboration with Finnish synth pop producer
Jaakko Eino Kalevi. Breezier and more playful than some of his recent releases,
Banane Bleue (yes, that translates to Blue Banana in English) is also smaller in scale, with
Marry often relying on borrowed instruments and makeshift recording spaces. An inspiring trip to Morocco and subsequent working visits to Greece and Germany help give this set a nomadic feel, though his
Atlas Mountains releases have always trended toward multiculturalism in their tone. The addition of
Kalevi, whose own tightly crafted electronic releases are sleek and classy, marks an intriguing new chapter for
Marry's longtime project. Less busy than some of the group's mid-2010s albums,
Banane Bleue opts for more minimal arrangements with softly pulsing synths, bright guitars, shimmering harmonies, and a surprising amount of pop hooks. Slipping comfortably between French and English,
Marry doles out pleasing, unfettered indie pop gems like "Julie," "Holly Go Lightly," and "Gold & Lips," each one replete with lightly sighing harmonies and memorable choruses.
Kalevi's influence is subtle; this is not a straight-up electronic record, nor does it resemble the polyrhythmic Afro-pop confections the
Atlas Mountains have become known for. Instead,
Marry has crafted a more personal and cohesive pop album with an engagingly homespun feel that is quite refreshing to listen to. ~ Timothy Monger