Balbec – Paris / Becoming Friends Again / Yeah

The three songs on offer here are only a small slice of the impressive back catalogue Balbec have. Hailing from France this 5 piece band have been together for about 5 years, and in that time put out three albums and any number of EPs.

This is jaunty pop rock at it’s most inoffensive. ‘Paris’ rattles along nicely on a melodic journey. A relentless drum beat powers the song along, whilst the huge production indicates the large number of musicians in the band. The song feels as though its going to build, and it does begin to, just not to the climatic finish I was envisaging. ‘Becoming Friends Again’ and ‘Yeah’ are instantly stronger songs, especially in terms of the vocal performance, the female singer seems to put much more emotion into these tracks. There is a lovely breakdown in the mid section of the former, the two vocals sound lovely together before the instruments kick in again. As with ‘Paris’ neither track seems to build as much as this reviewer was hoping for but all the melodies are there, the playing is excellent and the production works well. ‘Yeah’ sticks out for the darker tones and heavier guitar riffs. I just wish the songs were all a bit more memorable. Think Sixpence None The Richer crossed with a much gentler Cardigans. The songs tend to be a little bland but I can almost hear Balbec itching to break out and just let go a little more. Do it!

Words - Lee Russell