Laurence-Anne's dreamy landscapes turn into nightmares on Politesse, a new single that follows the bewitching track Polymorphe released in March. Both songs will be featured on Oniromancie, the singer-songwriter's third album, in which she explores the many facets of the night, dreams and the imagination. Now available for pre-order (vinyl, CD and digital), Oniromancie will be released on September 8th via Bonsound.
Propelled by a hypnotic rhythm and an eerie arpeggio synth melody, Politesse unveils a darker side of the artist, with a sound that is more akin to darkwave than dream pop. Using the technique of automatic writing for the lyrics of this song, she lets her subconscious express itself through cryptic poetry. Soaring saxophone and clarinet sequences by Ariel Comtois and François Zaïdan add depth and emphasize the sense of anxiety that exudes from the song.
Being a person of few words, automatic writing has always been a useful tool for me when working on lyrics, as it helps me to externalize and understand my emotions, fears and needs. When I dream, I have this same type of interaction with my subconscious. Everything becomes clearer to me, explains Laurence-Anne of her writing process. Politesse points to the end of something, to the clues that were there before my eyes when I kept them shut for too long.
On Oniromancie, Laurence-Anne dives deep into the nocturnal world, moving seamlessly between sweet dreams and paralyzing nightmares. Produced alongside François Zaïdan, this album further pushes the groundwork established on her previous releases, proving to be denser and darker, while still remaining faithful to her penchant for creating a conceptual and immersive universe. Through a combination of dream/art/synthpop with coldwave and experimental influences sprinkled in here and there, Laurence-Anne creates eleven distinct landscapes. The result is a dreamy and intimate record on which she opens up more than ever whilst still deepening the mysterious aura that surrounds her. Drawing from the depths of its creator's subconscious, Oniromancie manages to spellbind listeners by revealing a universe that exists only to those who lend an ear.
Last month, Laurence-Anne went on a mini tour of the United Kingdom to perform at several music festivals, including Wide Days (Scotland), Liverpool Sound City (England) and Focus Wales, in addition to a show in London. Her previous single, Polymorphe, has played on some of the country's most influential radio stations, including BBC Radio 6 and BBC Scotland, with the latter even granting Laurence-Anne an interview. This fall, Laurence-Anne will present her new album to audiences in Montreal and Quebec City with a launch show at the Sala Rossa (as part of POP Montreal) and at Le Pantoum, respectively. Check out the list below for all her upcoming tour dates.
Tour dates
24/06/2023 - Calgary, AB - The Palomino (Sled Island)
08/07/2023 - Saint-Paulin, QC - Aux Berges du Castor (Double bill with VioleTT Pi)
28/09/2023 - Montréal, QC - Sala Rossa (POP Montréal)
30/09/2023 - Québec, QC - Le Pantoum
15/03/2024 - Saint-Félicien, QC - Salle Azimut du Cégep de St-Félicien
16/03/2024 - Alma, QC - Café du Clocher