Malajube: La Caverne

Malajube, La CaverneMalajube: La Caverne
There are not a lot of francophone bands that have major impact in the US. Most bands from France that are exported to the US tend to sing in English like Phoenix or Jusice. The two most notable French-language groups that have made an impact this past decade are dance group, Yelle and Montreal-based indie rock group Malajube.
Malajube first came to prominence in the US with their sophomore album, 2006’s Trompe-l’œil. The album was given an 8.2/10 by Pitchfork and was shortlisted for a Polaris Music Prize in Canada. Now the band releases their fourth studio album, La Caverne hoping to make a similar impact.
The impact has already been felt with Pitchfork giving the album a respectable 7.0/10 but La Caverne shows Malajube as a much more commercially viable band than ever before. “Chienne Folle” features a disco drum beat similar to that that propelled Arcade Fire‘s “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains).” Add in I’m From Barcelona-style vocals and the song is uniquely poppy and ear catching. The only thing holding it back from real American success is its inability to be understood.
The album has plenty of great pop moments. The lush, soft-rock soundscape of the titular song shows that the band does not have to rely on manic energy to catch the listeners ear. All the while, the only problem is the language barrier. But if the language barrier did not stop Nena or Trio, why should it stop Malajube? La Caverne might be their best album to date and surely some Americans will recognize that.
Rating: Malajube “Chienne Folle”
MP3: 7.7/10
Buy: iTunes or Insound!

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