Vivre Encore (studio album) by Lorem Ipsum

From Mercury 03/13/2021 02:06

(Not only an interesting mix of genres - Screamo, Chamber Music, Folk - but also just a great album divorced from the novelty of the sound. It woulda been cool enough that they attempted this Marriage of styles at all, the fact that it’s a brilliant and cohesive and stirring album is far beyond what I expected I decided to check it out.)

So, I heard about this album by this French trio called LOREM IPSUM. It had a cool cover, cool name and m, get this, the way it was described was Chamber music meets screamo vocals meets kinda unusual folk. I knew right away I needed to hear this.

First listen I thought yeah this is cool, not just cuz it’s novel and unique, but actually surprisingly great sound. Second listen I thought, nah this is really REALLY cool. Third and fourth listen I was bought in that this was just gorgeous, incredibly emotional, and not a second of it lost my interest or really seemed like shite.

The reason I think this unusual combination works so well is the vocals are brilliant - whether the classic screamo vocals or the more whispery and quiet Emo vocals, or that part where the woman comes in and speaks French, all the vocal parts are stellar. On top of that the austere chamber music arrangements for each song build up melodically and get you in the mood. The music is just right and it works to get me completely engaged. The whole package adds up to a very affecting, beautiful, intense and emotional album. One of my favorites this year and a breathe of fresh air.