Les Fleurs Du Mal - Les Fleurs Du Mal:I

Les Fleurs Du Mal are a relatively new gothic rock band, formed in Sweden back in 2009. Their sonic identity is pretty easy to unravel: somehow all gothic archetypes make a presence here: their name, obviously inspired by Baudelaire's wel lknown collection of poems.
The artwork based completely on black colours along with some red touches. The cover art which is reminiscent of early german expressionism: looking at this image I get the impression that this could even be a still shot, coming out of a  movie made by Fritz Lang, or Murnau perhaps. It is useless to analyze why I consider Baudelaire as the perfect role model for today's goth culture.The same should be the case on expressionism: the dreadful, grey atmosphere of this movement certainly fits, not only among dark music afficionados, but also as a portrait of this current age. The use of all these symbolisms/ aesthetics leave no place for question: Les Fleurs Du Mal are a goth rock band. The only question that one could ask, is whether these Swedes are talented or not.

Thankfully,that is a pretty easy inquiry:This band has more than a lot of potential.Their main ability is that they have the courage to stick to tradition,while creating a dearly personal sound.As stated above,concerning the general aesthetic details of this release,all gothic archetypes are present.The same could be said for their songs.Everything that you'd expect to find in a goth band make their presence here:strong bass lines,fragile guitar melodies,synth lines that are so crucial in the process of building their compositions.The vocalist is exceptional, managing to stay away from the typical Eldritch/McCoy copycat style that most of goth singers employ.If I could trace some influence,I'd say that these vocals at times sound like Ian Curtis,thus separating this band from the long line of hopeless imitators that dominated this scene for years.The songs of course rely heavily on an early Sisters Of Mercy template,with some dark wave moments as well."Stay Awake" is a generous explosion of melody,while"My Funeral"provides a strong emotional terrain and some exceptional vocals as well.."A Long Day's Journey" is a sample of an up tempo,dark rock approach..This ep reaches its end in a perfect manor:"Astray"is a prime example of their ability to invoke sentiments long forgotten.This song somehow reminds me of Stooges' slow burning opus,"We Will Fall".Each one of the 5 songs contained in this mini cd,is carefully planned and executed,showcasing a triumphant result.25 minutes of excellence,that is.

Naturally,I am pleased and very eager to listen to a future full length release by Les Fleurs Du Mal.If a paradigm was needed,I would say that bands such as this,provide a fresh,lustful approach to a seemingly "frozen" scene.

Tracklist:
1)Stay Awake
2)A Long Day's Journey
3)My Funeral
4)Exclusion
5)Astray

8/10   Isabelle S.