Altsounds - New video and album from French pop star Benjamin Biolay

“La Superbe” is Biolay’s fifth album to date and is presented over two CDs featuring a dazzling assortment of cinematic and Gainsbourg-esque chansons and pop-songs inspired largely by the iconic British bands of the last 50 years - from The Beatles to Morrisey and Joy Division.

With its trademark lush strings and melancholy feel, Benjamin Biolay’s music is as slow-burning and smouldering as his looks. La Superbe feels like a first class trip on Eurostar, straight to the Paris of Etienne Daho, Bashung, Gainsbourg and Michel Legrand.

Among the many stand-out tracks, Tu Es Mon Amour recalls the Gainsbourg Confidentiel of the early sixties, La Toxicomanie nods in the direction of the cool jazz of Chet Baker, while the Penny Lane-like Night Shop features up-and-coming Spanish trumpet-player Ruben Simeo.

There are bursts of electronics akin to Air or Daft Punk, rocking guitar medleys, hip hop beats with the majority of the tracks featuring Biolay’s, mesmerizing but beautiful voice.

Benjamin Biolay