A light-hearted look at some not-so-light-hearted subjects
Jura artist LiA's 10-track album is both accomplished and promising, revealing a carefully thought-out musical approach.
Rock on, Asphalt does justice to the energy of the young singer-songwriter, who has surrounded himself for the occasion with a creative and efficient band. The result is a coherent work of quality arrangements and sounds, which affirms the overall ambience of an album of identity, both poetic and dynamic.
Despite some almost naïve overtones, flirting with utopian visions of a dreamed ideal of the world, we can't accuse the subject matter of being hollow. With a poetry that manages to make a few bitter observations about human nature and society sparkle, LiA isn't militating, he's simply taking a light-hearted look at subjects that, in the end, aren't so light-hearted, making us swallow the pill with a graceful sensitivity that slowly reveals itself behind the rebellious appearance. The texts thus deserve several listens, revealing their charm only gradually.
One of the most interesting rock projects on the Swiss French-speaking scene at the moment, Asphalte sends a heavy, glittering burst of light into our ears. A fine starting point for LiA's musical career, with all the hallmarks of a future character already emerging!
LiA: Asphalte. Distribution Disques Office. www.liamusique.ch
