Obscur Étrange

2012

“L’artiste a réussi l’improbable : l’expérimental devient mélodique, le bizarre flatte nos oreilles et les instruments se marient sans peine. Une bien belle surprise qui nous sort de nos habitudes.” (Maxoe)

“Le premier album de ce chanteur, songwriter, compositeur et producteur francilien est indéfinissable, entêtant, opaque, intriguant. On entend très (trop) souvent l’expression “dépasser les frontières” mais ici, c’est la définition même du travail de ce jeune artiste.” (Damien Baumal, Longueur d’ondes)

“Un artiste généreux, et un album éclectique au son tentaculaire.” (Focus musique)

Obscur étrange also features vocals by two French personalities; television host Audrey Chauveau guests on Prélude whilst stage actress Maïa Guéritte duets with Emmanuel on If Hope Is A Game.

“The main topics of the record are hope and vulnerability. These are universal matters. ‘Since I am not sheltered from everything, what can I hope?’. I wanted to credit the efforts that people make to keep on doing good things, to take care of each other sometimes, to free themselves or other people from things which are too heavy. Sometimes in vain. This is what in French we call a “clair-obscur” painting, a subtle gradiation of light and shade. That is why I entitled the album Obscur étrange.”

Originally released in 2012 by Central Control International, Barry Adamson’s record label, Obscur Étrange is now part of Galacticaz’ catalogue, Emmanuel’s production company.

Here is what the PR said at the time:

“The title Obscur étrange refers to the mood of the record, musically,” Emmanuel explains. “The older tracks (Racines and Notachangedman) were composed at a time where I really was into film soundtracks, etc. These tracks could be a soundtrack for a somewhat dark movie, with strange characters, and mysterious behaviours”. Emmanuel continues: “It is obscur (no direct English translation: not only dark, but ambivalent too) and étrange (strange).”

“Sonically too there no direct translations to truly pin down the deep, artistic sound of Obscur étrange. Equal parts ‘60s baroque-pop, ambient, industrial, jazzy, modern soul, experimental… it is the sound of a true artist coming to fruition and not afraid of his influences or pushing his limits. Experience grounds this album. Emmanuel recalls vividly experiencing performances by a ballet troupe and by local glove puppeteers within the same week: “I didn’t think that it was possible to make such an intelligent, funny and spiritual show with basic hand puppets” laughs Emmanuel. “Those two shows had at least one thing in common: there were really exigent pieces of art, but not completely separated from pop culture. And this point talked to me. I think artists don’t have to give up their ambitions to be more popular, and don’t have to censure their pop inspirations either.”

Obscur étrange also features vocals by two French personalities; television host Audrey Chauveau guests on Prélude whilst stage actress Maïa Guéritte duets with Emmanuel on If Hope Is A Game.

“The main topics of the record are hope and vulnerability. These are universal matters. ‘Since I am not sheltered from everything, what can I hope?’. I wanted to credit the efforts that people make to keep on doing good things, to take care of each other sometimes, to free themselves or other people from things which are too heavy. Sometimes in vain. This is what in French we call a “clair-obscur” painting, a subtle gradiation of light and shade. That is why I entitled the album Obscur étrange.”