Regular Columnists

Artist: M.
Album: L'Amour est mort [2006]
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmusic2
Genre: Ambient
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8.5/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 9.5/10
CD Review:

Every day we pass hundreds of signs and rules telling us what to do and not to. Whether it’s a sign that tells us we can’t make u-turns where its clearly convenient to do so, or that we’ll be fined for not wearing shoes in a public place, we’ve structured our lives into neat little social boxes. So of course once someone defies the boundaries, they’ll either be in some sort of trouble or subject to criticism.

It then makes me wonder, is non-conformity always a bad thing? Rules need to be broken now and then to make them better, right?

M.’s approach to music does just that. He tests whether or not music remains cohesive when sounds are stretched further. This concept of playing with sounds outside of the borders in which they’ve been contained, makes L’Amour est mort an incredibly fascinating musical and artistic statement.

It’s not always a smooth and aesthetic listen, rather dissonant and ever-changing – which makes it seem so chaotic at first. M.’s speech-like vocals are rough, yet melodic. And lyrically, it’s a nothing short of a handful. It travels from being overtly sexual to deeply philosophical all within a verse, as tracks like Miss Zena (Baise Moi) and the 80s-inspired Mother’s Milk demonstrate. With a flow of unrestrained ideas coming at you, this is definitely something you’ll get your hands dirty in.

Although the majority of the record is layered with lush electronic textures, the occasional folk-inspired song, such as the intimately dark Adam, and the more up-beat Cruzando El Rio, showcase M.’s ability to transform familiar structures into something completely different. Like Bob Dylan’s ability to leave listeners labouring to decode his lyrics, piecing together M.’s harsh and provocative poetry, requires concentrated work on the part of the listener.

The more you listen to L’amour est mort, the more you realize that there’s nothing really scary or chaotic about it. It’s rooted in solid rock traditions and psychedelic textures (for lack of a better term), which shine through with repeated listens.

This shouldn’t be treated as abstract, intellectual or experimental music. It’s something that has to be listened to without any preconceived notions. There’s no point in comparing it to anything else. Just let it fill the room. Listen. Then listen again. Then you’ll get it.




The Verdict: 9/10

For more information, please contact M. through CD Baby (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mmusic2)