Last month Zoufris Maracas’ much awaited Bleu de lune album was released. Five years after the phenomenal Chienne de vie, they returned with an album just as exciting and humorous as the last. It’s the kind of album that encourages day-dreaming, laugh outbursts, zone out moments and goes through all your stages: from fuck-the-system to fuck-it-I’m-just-gonna-live-in-the-moment with humour.
On the cusp of a global pandemic, Bleu de Lune is just what fans needed. True to form, the album is satire at its best, echoing a subtle critique of political and social issues, all with a careless dance. Zoufris Maracas are known for their energetic live performances and their 2016’s Le Live de la jungle concert was a particular hit with fans; leaving many excited for Blue de Lune’s tour. Though temporarily cancelled Zoufris Maracas’ hold placer gift may just be what fans needed as Europe quarantined into the unknown. Their defiant, upbeat style and sarcasm might just be the perfect album on the quarantine playlist.
Reflections
The album starts with the sober ‘De Maré à Lifou.’ The humbling tone reflects on the beauty and struggles of life, as they share where they have been over the years:
J’ai pris un peu de recul
Sur les îles loyautés
Je suis parti en voyage
De l’autre côté de mes pieds
J’ai vu les mille visages
This same reflective tone was echoed in ‘Sa majesté la mer’ where the somber acoustic guitar and occasional sax compliments the beautiful lyrics as they seek to protect and comfort society’s underdog. Their reflective tone, “J’aurais mille questions à poser vous qui avez croisé les hivers…” quickly turned protective. “Vous qui avez fait tant de noyés des enfants qui fuyaient la guerre…Ne pourriez-vous pas pour une fois couler ces yachts de milliardaires…”
Nice.
Satire
Blue de Lune carries on with ‘Senorita Politica’ brilliantly balancing the upbeat with the not-so subtle political critique. With “Un día me vengaré” repeated throughout. Kinda hard to miss. It is a brilliantly humorous yet a direct message to the political class, while doing the salsa. Here I’m in Havana, Cuba or Colombia somewhere getting sunburnt without a care in the world.
‘Métropolitain’ continues to speak to the under-represented, those cramped on public transport at 6pm. It’s clear North African influence and trumpet is a joy.
Note to self: don’t listen on public transport
Mon ami, mon frère (one of my favourites) really takes you away. The kind of track that makes you (willfully) miss your stop or zone out, nodding blankly while pretending to pay attention. “Mon ami terrien. On n’est que poussière, Qui va demain…” (My earthly friend. We’re just dust, Who’s going tomorrow?) Deep, thought-provoking lyrics that make listeners reflect on life, yet is fun and humorous.
L’amour
Though not famous for their love songs, Bleu de Lune can still soften the heart. It’s like a sweet attempt at romance from an unlikely pal. Nice surprise. Café genou perfectly fits this with sweet yet alluring lyrics:
“Comme un jeux entre nous, Je nouerais mon âme à vous. Jusqu’au bout, je l’avoue.”
Another song that encourages us to use our imagination, taking us to Cuba, Peru and Paris in 3 minutes.
‘Le dimanche’ is more reflective as they ponder on their love. ‘Clara’ is deep and beautifully tells the love story of Clara and Vincent from both of their perspectives. We’re able to hear a balance of both Clara and Vincent’s pain:
Et toutes les nuits j’en crève
Car aucun n’me soulève”
Clara depuis qu’t’es partie
J’ai perdu mon appétit
J’attrape toutes les fièvres
le décollement d’la plèbre
Vincent depuis qu’t’es parti
J’rêve de toi toutes les nuits
And last but not least, ‘Explosif’ another personal favourite – but we won’t go there here.
Just in time
Blue de lune is a reflective yet uplifting album, forming comfort, laughs and solace to listeners. It perfectly reflects our times, almost as if they knew what 2020 had to offer.
In the not-taking-anything-for-granted year, Bleu de lune has that much needed balance of humility, presence and humour. That five year anticipation since their last album tour may have to wait a little longer but will no doubt be replayed by many until they walk on.
Zara Tewolde-Berhan 