Passages, the latest album from Les Fées du Rhin, is a mesmerizing journey through various musical styles and emotions. The French duo, consisting of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Cécile Hercule and keyboardist and producer Nicolas Beck, have created a sonic landscape that is both ethereal and grounded, experimental and accessible.
The album opens with the atmospheric "L'Appel," which sets the tone for the rest of the record. Hercule's haunting vocals float over a bed of electronic beats and shimmering synths, creating a sense of otherworldliness. The track seamlessly transitions into "Passages," a dreamy pop song that showcases the duo's talent for crafting catchy melodies.
As the album progresses, Les Fées du Rhin explore different genres and moods. "Ondes" is a moody, trip-hop inspired track that features Beck's intricate keyboard work, while "L'Horizon" is a bright and optimistic pop song with a driving beat. "Le Chant du Cygne" is a beautiful piano ballad that showcases Hercule's emotive vocals.