Frederic Claudel is more than a musician. His life has taken through varied pursuits across Europe. Yet, it’s through his return to music that we are discovering him.

By Graeme Smith

With a creative journey that started with admiration for vocalists like Jacques Brel and Aretha Franklin, Frederic has tried his hand at just about everything. He’s acted, modelled, danced, and lived a life with all its ups and downs. A recent hiatus from music spanned over a decade, so his returning debut is a significant moment with an appropriate title.

Resurrection 27 is an album that refuses to be bound by genre. Its striking opener Fly High leaves that in no doubt, combining classic opera with experimental dance and electronica. It’s a lot to take on at first, but the patient listener will be rewarded as the composition swells and the lyrics rouse.

From there we get the gentler, life-affirming moment of Hero, the brooding hip-hop and R&B ballad of Je t’ai pardonné (I Forgave You) and Can’t Get Out. The latter acts as a mid-album focal point bringing us a fuzzy dance beat that will have you nodding along. It contrasts nicely with the power and airiness of Frederic’s operatic vocals.

Things are then rounded off by the bright and vibrant call for peace Make Love No War, the melancholic, piano ballad Can You Hear Me, and groovy, atmospheric album closer Far Away.

The eclectic range of styles on display in Frederic’s album is simply breath-taking, yet it’s all held together nicely through his emotional vocals and unique point of view. He’s certainly taken some big risks with this comeback, but personally I think he’s pulled it off. The result is an intriguing collection that demands multiple listens.

Resurrection 27 is out now and you can check it out below.