Une Vraie Gothique – R.D.V. Au Cimetière (Digital/CD Album – Manic Depression Records)
Une Vraie Gothique (translated as A True Goth) is a French duo formed by Ulrika and Ferdinand Legendre. “R.D.V. Au Cimetière” is their debut album, and it immediately caught the attention of Manic Depression Records.
The project’s name may sound unmistakably Gothic, but the musical influences stem from a much broader palette. This is primarily an Electro album, blending elements of Electro-Wave, EBM, Techno, and a subtle Gothic atmosphere into a highly danceable whole. The lyrics possess a poetic quality, occasionally veering into the humorous and sometimes even the provocative. The songs are performed in French by the male vocalist and in German by the female vocalist. The interplay between these two voices is one of the album’s greatest strengths, often creating the impression of an ongoing dialogue. The overall production occasionally reminds me of Grausame Töchter, albeit with far less emphasis on sexuality and provocation. Personally, I am most drawn to the more powerful tracks driven by a strong EBM bassline, but nearly every song offers something worthwhile.
For me, “R.D.V. Au Cimetière” is an exciting and refreshing debut. Une Vraie Gothique is undoubtedly a band that deserves to be discovered, and they clearly possess the talent and originality needed to reach a much wider audience in the future. (Rating:8½).
Listen to “Metz Noire”:
https://manicdepressionrecords.bandcamp.com/track/metz-noire
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