If you’ve yet to cross paths with the music of Montpellier-based artist Frank Rabeyrolles, then you’re in for a real treat. My personal initiation ceremony into his musical world started with the release of the single “Japanese Dreams,” An immediate connection was established and I soon found myself entranced by the nostalgic melodies that oh so perfectly complement the subtle melancholy of winter.
From the charmingly accented vocals to the carefully chosen guitar tones, every element seemed specifically tailor-made for my musical palate. Intrigued, I delved deeper into the artist’s extensive discography, unearthing a career spanning nearly two decades, with roots tracing back to his Double U project in 2004 and solo endeavours under his name since at least 2017
What strikes me most about Rabeyrolles‘s output is his unwavering authenticity. It’s a genuineness that echoes through every note and every melody he creates. His discography can only be described as eclectic, a fusion of pop, electronic, experimental, and ambient genres, that speaks of an artist who thrives on being in perpetual evolution.
Rabeyrolles‘s journey began in 2004 with “Life Behind the Window,” the debut album of his aforementioned Double U project. An ethereal blend of pop, electronic, and songwriting, the album garnered attention from notable publications in his native France. As the years unfolded, Rabeyrolles proved to be insatiable, continuing to release albums and evolving from Double U to Franklin and, ultimately, under his own name.
In 2019, he unveiled an intentional foray into the world of indie pop revolving around the seasons, showcasing his versatility across genres. The subsequent year saw the release of “Materia Prima,” a hypnotic record interweaving analogue synths, textures, and sonic entanglements. This was followed by “A Ghost by the Sea” in 2020—an album leaning heavily into ambient sounds that embraces melodic and contemplative obsessions.
As 2021 concluded, Rabeyrolles took another creative turn, recording “Boat Songs” with a supporting trio—a collection of bittersweet ballads characterized by clean guitars and healing vocals, providing a poignant landscape for listeners. Furthermore, Rabeyrolles continued to increase his imprint on the local scene collaborating and contributing his distinctive vision in the ever-evolving landscape of French indie (and beyond).
Fast forward to the present, and Rabeyrolles is once again in the studio, crafting his latest offering, “Minor Blue,” slated for release in early 2024.
The first glimpse into this upcoming album is the single “Japanese Dreams.” Inspired by his recent sojourn in Japan, the track captures the ethereal climate of the country, oscillating between minimalist rural regions and bustling urban landscapes. Guitars weave intricate melodies around a minimal drum loop, while reverberated vocals guide the piece toward a thoroughly hypnotic dream pop direction.
As we eagerly await the release of “Minor Blue“, Frank Rabeyrolles stands as an enigmatic figure unbothered by trends and music industry expectations. Quite simply, he releases suites of songs not to conform to some prevailing trend but simply because they fucking feel right to him, Rabeyrolles embodies the essence of an artist in constant metamorphosis. It is a commendable challenge to continually evolve yet maintain authenticity. With “Japanese Dreams” Frank Rabeyrolles passes with flying colours.
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