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Band: Aube Grise
Album title: Mauvais Augure
Release date: 1 November 2016
Label: Distant Voices
Tracklist:
01. Tes Yeux Brisés
02. Mauvais Sang
03. Sur Ma Peau
04. 1909
05. Rouge Pâle
06. Je Me Laisserai Faiblir
07. Aube Vieille
08. Tes Yeux Lassés
Aube Grise has released a limited edition CD on the french label Distant Voices called Mauvais Augure (which means 'Bad Omen' in English). The main brain and central nervous system behind the project is an elusive character by the name of Anna M.
Anna M. has been contributing to the artwork at the Distant Voices label for some time and has also released a prior limited edition cassette by the name of Feue; of which there are still a few copies left unless I am mistaken.
The album contains DSBM with an emphasis on atmosphere and some minimalistic piano sections with an overall DIY, personal sound and feel to it. One of the notable things about this album is the feminine influence which is rare in this form of music. The female vocals especially add a flavour to the music that is a break from the norm. Shrieking and harsh, the vocals induce dark atmosphere and isolation, another lost soul screaming at the void. There are also some clean vocals from guest artist Thomas Bel which contrast with the intensity of Anna's vocals. The music generally revolves around a central rudimentary riff or arpeggios and simple drum patterns which are built upon to create atmosphere in a 'less is more' kind of way. Although the instrumental execution is nothing outstanding, the resulting ambience more than makes up for it. The more chaotic sections often fall away back to just a single guitar or keys playing to great effect. The use of ambient field recordings and dynamic song structure adds an unexpected level of sophistication to the music.
Sighted as influences to her piano work are composers such as Debussy, Erik Satie and Arvo Pärt. Certainly no qualms there. The simplistic ambient piano sections really add extra dimensions to the music while creating a film noir sort of theme to contrast with the black metal madness without breaking character. The sound of stilettos walking across a polished wooden floor captures an aura that is intrinsically mysterious, dark, feminine and French. This combined with minimalist piano is certainly reminiscent of the feelings created by ambient masters such as Satie.
An artistic endeavour which combines the visceral with the ethereal, the feminine with the masculine and the crude with the refined; all to great effect. A fine delicacy for the low key black metal aristocrat.
Review written by: Evceles
Rating: 7,5/10
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