angles morts: dérive asphalte
Francisco Espregueira
Marseilles-based quartet Angles Morts, riding high on the critical acclaim of their self-titled debut EP championed return to Dope Tones Records with Dérive Asphalte, a four-track exploration showcasing a marked evolution in their sonic identity. Inspired by their wanderings through the landscapes of southern France, this EP paints a captivating soundscape, rich with the hypnotic textures conjured from their impressive array of synthesizers, including the Prophet Rev-2 and Roland Alpha Juno 1. Each track feels like a journey, guided by the band's intuitive interplay and their ability to weave intricate sonic tapestries.
Dérive Asphalte immediately stakes its claim with the opening track "Macadam Freak," a superb embodiment of Angles Morts' sound, driven by a racing bassline, syncopated chords, and dusty drums, culminating in a dreamlike saxophone solo from Matthieu Fabre. The EP then takes a surprising turn with "Alma," a bold and broken-rhythm reimagining of Dizzy Gillespie, paying homage to the quartet's jazz roots. Elsewhere, "Mame Note" showcases their playful mastery of mood and nuance, while "Puissance 4" unfolds with a winding chord progression and infectious four-to-the-floor swing, dissolving into a psychedelic synth orchestra on acid. Through Dérive Asphalte, Angles Morts solidify their position as a compelling force, navigating the sonic asphalt with both precision and a captivating sense of wanderlust.