Review:

on 2011-04-12 bixmedard Said:

Bix Medard "Y-dress?" Written by Victoria Dillingham

Its often been said of music, that its not what you actually play, but what you leave out thats important.
I think this is true of any creative art form, but Ive yet to hear a group demonstrate this theory quite so overtly as Belgium duo, Bix Medard in the release of their new album Y-Dress? out this week (July 5th)

Y-Dress (Why Dress?) is the second album of visual artists and musicians, Bix Medard (vocals & flute) and Peter Clasen (bass player & monophonic synths) who joined forces early 2008 and released their first album, Kokkola last April.

The musical ensemble insist the album is designed to reflect the contradictions and plurality of todays society, a multicultural, contemporary and digital world.
However for me, its like walking into an art gallery with all the best pieces hung next to each other on the exact same wall.

Similar to Bix Medards album, there really is too much going on all at the same time, to primarily concentrate on, and more importantly enjoy, the brilliance of certain key pieces.
And make no mistake, there are moments of brilliance within this album, but the duos inability to edit and highlight not only the album for tracks, but also those that are featured, makes it a confusing listen throughout.

From the opening track, La photo en noir et blanc you are introduced to Bixs distinct, sweet and breathy vocals which in isolation will have you hoping youve discovered the next Goldfrapp. When accompanied by Clasen, however you are instantly transported to the early 80s and in particular to the one-hit wonder, Kajagoogoos Too Shy.
Je respire is destined to feature in a perfume commercial, but its repetitive and at times irregular synthesized beats prevent it from being a must hear track youre likely to want to add to a play-list.

Fans of la nouvelle chanson fran?aise are sure to instantly fall in love with Paris 58 and Coco Rosie-esque Cest Si Bon, which highlight the purity of Bix's vocals while showcasing the electro ear of Clasen.

For me, Arabesque is the most contemporary track on the album, and one Im confident will be adopted by modern boutique bars, hotels and clubs, throughout Europes most fashionable cities. With hauntingly enticing vocals similar to that of the UKs Portishead and the synthesized seduction of the award-winning French duo, Air, for me its easily a favourite on the album.

Its been a while since anyone covered John Lennons Imagine and Im still at a loss as to why the Belgium duo felt the need to include their version of it at the end of their latest album. Whether it be an indication of their eccentricity or merely a selfless dedication to one of their many muses, it definitely deserves a listen and is likely to spark interest & discussion wherever this album is lucky enough to be aired.

http://www.ukmusicreview.co.uk/music-reviews/album-reviews/bix-medard-y-dress.html
Rating: 9/10

Review:

on 2011-04-12 bixmedard Said:

Bix Medard  Y-Dress? (Altair Musik)
Review by Imogen Davies for Tasty Fanzine UK.

Whenever I am given a CD to review that has in the opening lines influenced by the likes of Bjork, Coco Rosie and Serge Gainsbourg I have to say I get a little excited.

Of course Coco Rosie is known for her distinctive voice that really gives her acoustic music an originally beautiful twist; Serge Gainsbourg most famous for his collaboration with Jane Birkin and their Je T'aime track of 1969 and of course not forgetting Bjork known for her individual style of music and of course her taste in fashion. I was unsure how these could influence an artist whos style is electro/indie/alternative but I have to say it does, well as much as Bix Medards music can be explained in terms of other artists, for me, she is so wholly unique.

Bix Medard is made up of Peter Clasen electronic bass playing mixed with Bix's voice and flute playing. With a unique style Bix sings in a very poetic style, almost reading her lines to the beat of the sounds around her, creating a very organic style of what I would call electro pop. Although not fully knowing what individual songs were actually about (having given up French longer ago than I can remember) I still felt that I was carried along by the album and that the stories were unfolding in front of me.

The word to best sum up this album would have to be unique. Even her cover of imagine had an eerie electronic individuality that only Bixs smooth breathless voice could instil into her songs. I think my favourite track is 'cest si bon', one of the more pop orientated songs on the album but with a very catchy guitar beat and some great underlying sounds, it picks you up and bounces you along on a happy wave of light electronics and Bixs sweet as chocolate melodic voice.

If your looking for something a little different try a little bit of Bix Medard this year.

Imogen Davies http://www.tastyfanzine.org.uk
http://www.tastyfanzine.org.uk/albums99jun10.htm#BixMedard
Rating: 9/10