Band: VISHTÈN CONNEXIONS
Album: Expansion
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Genre: Roots
Multiple award-winning Acadian roots duo (formerly a trio) VISHTÈN have joined forces with seasoned, formidable artists for their upcoming album EXPANSION. After the passing of Vishtèn member Pastelle LeBlanc, remaining members Emmanuelle LeBlanc and Pascal Miousse created VISHTÈN CONNEXIONS, working with other artists as a solution for moving forward with her in spirit. Their upcoming album, which will feature seven different artists on its seven songs, is scheduled for release on May 24, 2024, and will be available on all major platforms.
The album opens with “Gaillard,” an upbeat track with Acadian flair. Featuring electric guitar, high-energy fiddles, percussive jaw harp, “deedle-dum” – “Acadian mouth music,” (the translation of “turlutte”) – vocals, and occasional whoops and hollers, the track prepares the listener for what’s to come.
“Sauvage” weaves a captivating tale of elemental allure with its lyrics: “I am the wild, I am the waves, I am the sea, I am the gale.” This evocative blend of English and French, coupled with emotive vocals, transports listeners to a realm of untamed beauty and freedom.
In the title track “Expansion,” there’s a dynamic collaboration featuring Rowen Gallant and Jesse Périard from the acclaimed group Ten Strings & A Goat Skin. With lively twin fiddles, bodhrán, and acoustic guitar, the music compels you to stomp your feet and clap along.
“More Love” delivers a poignant message with lyrics like “Ce qu’on a besoin c’est plus d’amour” (What we need is more love), echoing the universal longing for compassion and connection. This simple yet profound call to action underscores the song’s theme of love as the antidote to fear and division.
In “Réflexions,” the band reveals a different facet, as Pastel’s accordion commands attention, weaving seamlessly with the twang of the jaw harp, the melodious accordion, the tin whistle, and the ever-present fiddles. Despite the absence of lyrics, this track leaves a lasting imprint on your mind.
With ethereal vocals and heartfelt lyrics, “Teliaq” conveys a sense of longing and remembrance. The repeated call to “open your wings and fly to the creator” encapsulates the message of finding peace and letting go. Through the imagery of butterflies, it symbolizes both fragility and resilience.
“Kouma” is a spirited anthem that champions the freedom of expression through music. With emotive vocals and rhythmic beats, the song passionately pleads to keep instruments at hand, emphasizing their importance in self-expression. The repetition of phrases like “clap your hands, stamp your feet” reinforces the song’s call to embrace the joy of music and movement.
Overall, Expansion takes listeners on a musical adventure that traverses various styles and emotions. from energetic tunes that ignite movement to soul-stirring melodies that evoke deep emotions, each track presents a distinct journey. Collaborations with fellow artists enrich the album’s sonic landscape, while instrumental interludes highlight the band’s adaptability and skill.