There’s something to be said for the classics. They still have much influence on modern music be it subtly or, in the case of Mon Rayon’s new album Image Repertoire, writ large.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Aksel Orn Ekblom
For the album, the Swedish duo have drawn from 1960s French pop, British indie, psychedelia and spaghetti-western cinema. It can sometimes be difficult to pay homage to the greats without getting lost in reverence or sticking too closely to the script, but Mon Reyon have avoided that, instead giving us something richly varied and with modern edge. As I listened, I heard remnants of The Last Shadow Puppets, The Mamas & The Papas, and The Polyphonic Spree.
The atmospheric instrumental opening of Shadow of You leads into One of a Kind. It offers up some early dreamy timeless, noir-tinged indie pop with a lush and psychedelic chorus. Its romantic lyrics are delivered with smooth harmonies and the inclusion of Vera Milton on vocals provides variety. It’s such a strong start.
Time To Set You Free canters along with a certain wistful melancholy. Keen wordplay spells out heartache. Lead single Pale Memory is funky and retro, proving a highlight. Alaró is soft and acoustic. A layered finish brings to mind some of the richer moments of Bright Eyes’ Down In the Weeds. There’s a beautiful range on this album all held together with a cinematic aesthetic.
Lilac recalls the crooners of yesteryear during a storytelling moment dripping with atmosphere. The macabre stylings of All The Living is pacy and philosophical. It’s another highlight. Sleeping Armageddon is suitably dreamy yet tumultuous. Champagne Socialist Intuition is Mon Rayon at their edgiest, delivering politics bite alongside the heartache.
5am is as chill as the dawn with lyrics full of longing and regret. The only Swedish language track on the album Skuggan av dig would be expressive in any tongue. Album closer Like Rain then strikes a consolidatory tone.
Image Repertoire was recorded live in a converted chapel in the Swedish countryside with Josef and Christoffer of the band joined by a close knit group of musicians. The result is something that doesn’t feel overworked, and true to its classic influences. They say they don’t write them like they used to, but Mon Reyon is evidence to the contrary.
If you want to keep up to date with all they’re doing, you can by following them on Instagram.
Image Repertoire is out now, and you can listen to it below.