Damso, Caroline, Sparks Unleashed: Discover This Week’s Must-Hear Albums!

Damso BĒYĀH (Thirty-Four Cents)

The soon-to-be veteran of the Brussels rap scene is poised to bow out with what he claims is his final album, which is boldly named on his T-shirt: BĒYĀH. This tactic is not new; Jay-Z once declared that his The Black Album (2003) would be his last, only to return three years later with Kingdom Come. Should we take Damso’s announcement at face value? Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter. The Belgian artist’s body of work is noteworthy, echoing themes similar to those in Proust’s In Search of Lost Time, marked by a mix of aggressive outbursts, unfiltered catharsis, and moments of vulnerable, dizzying introspection. A surprise comeback in the future wouldn’t take away from his legacy.

By François Moreau

Read the interview with Damso

Matt Berninger Get Sunk (Book/Concord Records/Universal)

Matt Berninger once again employs his cherished formula of narrating disillusions with pop melodies surrounded by choruses, creating gems like Bonnet of Pins. Occasionally, his songs bear a resemblance to Leonard Cohen, particularly in Little by Little, a nuance not previously detected, making for a delightfully reassuring reunion.

By Juliette Poulain

Read the review of Get Sunk

Caroline Caroline 2 (Rough Trade Records/Wagram)

Featuring an array of organic and earthy sounds, the lyrics can be profoundly moving, especially in Two Riders Down, a song that touches on the loss of loved ones and could remind one of the Velvet Underground and Neil Young. “The track was developed between a writing session on tour and a London studio,” recalls Llewellyn. “After considering splitting it into two separate songs, we decided to let these variations merge into a single piece.” This track invites listeners to delve into their own emotional depths.

By Zacharie Grimal

Read the review of Caroline 2

Sparks Mad! (Transgressive Records/Firebird Label Services)

The unique and widespread talents of the Mael brothers continue to blend the mundane with the magnificent, reaching new heights, for instance, with A Little Bit of Light Banter that brings to mind ABBA. Mad! never misses a chance to make us dance in various ways, while also provoking thought through Ron Mael’s songwriting, which remains one of the most effective sources of dizzying creativity.

By Rémi Boiteux

Read the review of Mad!

Alan Sparhawk With Trampled by Turtles (Sub Pop/Modulor)

The album oscillates between subdued, modest ballads like Don’t Take Your Light, Torn & in Ashes and moments of grandeur in Heaven and joy in Princess Road Surgery. Surrounded by support, Alan Sparhawk transforms his sorrow into a poignant celebration of life.

By Noémie Lecoq

Read the review of With Trampled by Turtles