Les Longs Adieux – Arousal (Digital/CD Album – Les Longs Adieux)
“Arousal” is already the third album by Italian duo Les Longs Adieux. With this new release, Federica Garenna and Frank Marrelli continue to build on their established sound while simultaneously allowing new influences and subtle evolutions to emerge.
The album still breathes the spirit of the 1980s, yet this opus perhaps leans even more toward Electro-Wave territory, enriched with wonderfully vintage synthesizer textures that create a certain sense of magic. Throughout the record, a melancholic atmosphere dominates, beautifully reinforced by melodic choruses that give many of the songs an emotional depth. One particular standout is “Le Soldat De Plomb,” which incorporates a few French lyrics and is, in my opinion, by far the strongest track the duo has written so far. The song feels like a genuine gem and showcases exactly what Les Longs Adieux is capable of achieving when everything falls perfectly into place.
After this high point, the album loses a bit of momentum, though it remains an enjoyable and atmospheric listen throughout, even if no additional tracks quite reach the same level.
Les Longs Adieux undeniably possesses potential. They may not have fully realized it yet, but “Arousal” contains at least one truly remarkable song that is bound to resonate deeply with listeners. (Rating:7½).
Listen to “Le Soldat De Plomb”:
https://leslongsadieux.bandcamp.com/track/le-soldat-de-plomb
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