French band Lowland Brothers have consolidated their soul-rock roots on their second album “Over The Fence”.
The discerning listener should not miss the catalogue of the French label Underdog Records, which has already surprised with several interesting releases. This Paris-based alternative label, founded by Maxime Peron and Laurent Loudier, recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary. Its philosophy is to promote new artists and multiple musical styles, among which reggae, electro, hip-hop and soul dominate. In their catalogue you will find artists like João Selva, Dowdelin, or The Bongo Hop, who you may also recognize from our broadcasts.
Transatlantic sound
In 2021, Lowland Brothers, the first self-titled album from the group led by Nico Duportal (vocals, guitars, lyrics), Hugo Deviers (percussion, guitar, lyrics) and Max Genouel (bass, keyboards) built a unique transatlantic bridge between soul, rock and the woody sounds of Americana. “We have affinities with the African-American musical landscape, but our desire is to transport this baggage and take it elsewhere,” specifies the group from the West and North of France.
“We play part African-American music, but our desire is to take that baggage elsewhere,” the Lowland Brothers said.
Musical Crossroads
At the crossroads between the groove of Funkadelic and the rock of Alabama Shakes, “Shape Up” is a cinematic moment that transports the listener to the rainy streets of the city, where the notes of Eccentric Soul resonate with the story of those who walked before us.
The atmosphere of Lowland Brothers is soaring and the hypnotic melodies carried by sweaty voices envelop the listener, the layers of instruments are superimposed, from raw fuzz guitars to radiating keyboards, creating an urban symphony, reminiscent of films like Angel Heart or Ghost Dog. This composition, as impactful as a punch, sounds like it would shake the concrete, revealing the scars of the past and the promises of a better future.Shape Up is a poignant reminder of the importance of passing on and avoiding past mistakes, and sings it out powerfully.
“For a While” is an epic soul song that takes you on a passionate journey. With themes of love, conquest, and determination, this piece relentlessly moves forward to the rhythm of saturated toms, emphasizing that it is pointless to forget oneself. The moist and punchy sounds bounce, while the keyboard theme evokes the legendary Ethiopian music of Mahmoud Ahmed, Mulatu Astatke, and Girma Beyene. The chorus, reminiscent of the harmonies of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, lights up every moment with contagious energy. “For a While” is a musical experience where every note resonates with palpable intensity and emotion, inviting you to dance and feel every nuance of this sonic adventure.
The contemporary French music scene never ceases to surprise with its diversity and musical variety, which is why this time we will give you the opportunity to enjoy the music of the Lowland Brothers in the “Album of the Week” section of our broadcast on the Mixcloud platform.
Underdog Records a Róbert Gregor (photo: press Lowland Brothers)
