Search - Au Revoir Simone :: Verses of Comfort Assurance & Salvation (Dig)

Verses that comfort

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 11/01/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been curious about Au Revoir Simone for quite some time, ever since catching a glimpse of their name in a magazine, with some scant descriptions of their synthy pop music.



But apparently this Brooklyn trio was worth waiting for, if their debut EP, "Verses of Comfort, Assurance & Salvation" is anything to go by. These girls spin delicate melodies of retro beats and dreamy synth, and the result is thoroughly endearing -- it almost makes you feel comforted and assured.



It opens with a sleepy, summery little melody. "Baby tell me please/Is this a dream/Spending the night with you/Beneath the cherry trees?" they croon softly over the smooth synth music, which twitters and floats off as they sing about flowery moons and kisses in the bedroom.



They use harder beats for the sparkling "Hurricanes" and retro "Disco Song," which shimmy along without losing that bright edge. Then they bob back into softer songs, with the shimmering "Winter Song," sleepy "And Sleep Al Mar," and effervescent "Stay Golden." Along with the music the tone becomes more melancholy -- it switches from summer kisses and dancing to unrequited love.



If you need a comparison, then Au Revoir Simone sounds a bit like a very stoned Broadcast, or an all-girl, electronic version of Eisley. More the latter, since these girls also spin pop songs that are full of magic and innocence, but they know how to make their music tug at the heartstrings in an honest way.



There are basically just two instruments: keyboard and drum machines. But they avoid typical synthpop sound, without sharp beats or typical catchiness. Instead they veer towards soft, silky, dreamy sounds even when they have catchy tunes, and molding their synth into different sounds. The finale is a shining example of that.



The trio also have very pretty girlish voices, and they sing as a chorus as often as they sing individually. Their lyrics show some early stumbling ("And you say/and you say..."), but most of the time they manage well-written songs, with a poignant edge. "I'm feeling better every day/I'm only waiting if you stay/So don't feel bad/Your faith was an illusion..."



Au Revoir Simone are a charming, heartwarming little band, "Verses of Comfort, Assurance and Salvation" is an enchanting listen. Definitely worth checking out."

Brilliant!

C. Cambras | United States | 05/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So exhilarating, amazing, just all around awesome. Thank you for this beautiful music you are making. My little one dances joyfully to every track, and so do I!"