Thomas Nola Et Son Orchestre “So Long, Lale Andersen” [Disques De Lapin]

This starts as a catchy merry-go-round romp through chanting child voices, plodding percussion, piano, and waltz rhythm. Seems like some found sounds and samples drift in the background too. Kinda gives off that dusty phonograph scratch. Chilling cello and almost deadpan male vocals contribute to the Nick Cave styled, experimental, alternative country vibe. Just as Thomas Nola starts to set a familiar mood we’re suddenly plunged into Joy Division-esque 80′s new wave & ascending synth pop. Huh? It’s cool but totally unexpected. They also introduce a theatrically dark post punk industrial tone. Its crinkled expansion pushes slowly above the murky tension. Sometimes they employ rubbery ratchet sounds that bounce about over choir hymns. It’s sort of spacey & liquid too with oxygenated strings that sing like air is escaping. Then it almost harkens back to a bipolar ballroom dance with a swingin’ early 20th century foxtrot feel. This is thoroughly impressive vaudeville spookiness. Its the sort of delectable dirge music made for a dimly lit manor where spirits materialize for one last dance. Look down in the orchestra pit? the instruments are playing themselves!