A strong third album from the Montreal based French-Canadian duo.

We have been enjoying this one for over a month but have struggled to find a minute to review it. Bibi Club is the musical project of Adèle Trottier-Rivard on vocals and keyboard, and Nicolas Basque on guitar. The pair named themselves “Bibi Club” for the discotheque in their living room, where their “bibis”—loved ones—come to dance. They are from the French-Canadian side of the Montreal tracks so expect a mix of songs sung in French and some in English.

They describe themselves as avant-pop but guitars form an integral element to it all. The synth side of it all touches on a wide range of influences. At moments it brings Boards of Canada to mind, at others Death In Vegas. There is even a hint of Radiohead, Squid and Portishead. It is frequently darker than avant-pop would suggest.

There is real drama encoded on this album. You don’t need to speak French to be swept up in the air of menace that ‘Infinité,’ ‘Le Styx’ and ‘Le Château’ leave hanging in the background.

Single ‘Amaro’ is like Radiohead’s Hunting For Bears put through a dance filter, a hint of Ennio Morricone in the intro. ‘George Sand’ has improvisational jazz saxophone over a strong and insistent groove. ‘Washing Machine’ mixes moments of mundanity with the death of a child.

This is a very sonically cohesive album, rich and atmospheric. Thoughtful moments battle for space with more danced edged offerings.

Essential Tracks: ‘Infinité,’ ‘Amaro,’ ‘George Sand’ and ‘Washing Machine.’

They are on tour in the UK in April. If we weren’t in the North of England that day the Sebright Arms gig would look very tempting.

Squid: Cowards

Wot Gorilla?: Stay Home

Cardinals: Masquerade