Genre/Influences: Chanson, Dark-Folk.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Jérôme Reuter has been extremely prolific during the past few years, even releasing several works a year. “Parlez-Vous Hate?” opens the year 2021 with a new album featuring twelve songs.

Content: Rome strikes back with a very intimate work; the kind of music you imagine the musician playing alone –or just accompanied by an extra musician, in a dark and cozy pub. This work again is pretty engaged, the artist getting back to the past of his family fighting against the oppression of Totalitarian regimes. But Rome is first of all music to listen to while enjoying his somewhat Cave-like way of singing. The songs are minimal, sometimes more Noir/Dark-Folk than ever before. They’re mixing passion and emotion. Notice by the way the album is once again featuring multiple guest musicians and singers.

+ + + : The more this artist is prolific, the more he excels achieving true masterpieces. I’ve already heard numerous ‘essential’ and ‘important’ works from Rome, but “Parlez-Vous Hate?” moves beyond all expectations. It’s intimate, passionate and therefore sometimes revealing certain fragility. Jérôme Reuter has accomplished his magnum opus by maybe his most authentic work. You feel it comes right from the heart! It sounds simple, honest, but right. Every single song hides a part of magic like the accordion play at the end of “Toll In The Great Death” and the inhibited character of “Der Adler Trägt Kein Lied ” ending in a true apotheosis by the samplings. “Alesia ” is one of the most emotional pieces of the work, but I also have to mention “Death From Above”. This song is the absolute highlight; Noir-Folk in its purest format and definitely a track appealing for the fans of Nick Cave. I also have to mention the title song, which clearly stands for the album’s intimacy and engagement.

– – – : No minus points here!

Conclusion: I don’t know the point where Jérôme Reuter will ever stop, but the more he composes and releases new songs, the more I become addicted to his work. This album is touched by the talent and the grace of a true genius.

Best songs: “Death From Above”, “Toll In The Great Death”, “Der Adler Trägt Kein Lied”, “Alesia”, “Parlez-Vous Hate?”, “Born In The E.U”.

Rate: (9½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/romeproject

Label: www.trisol.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Trisol-Music-Group/104166526285471