ALCEST Spiritual Instinct

Popis:

The tension at the record’s vital core comes from Neige facing the darker aspects of his personality and fighting to reconnect with his spiritual essence, to conquer adversity and grow. These issues are key to understanding the record’s title. “I have lived a spiritual life for most of my existence,” Neige explains. “I say spirituality as opposed to religion- for me they’re two very different things. We don’t need churches, we don’t need bibles. Go to nature- that’s the most beautiful temple you can find. Life can be harsh, but it’s important to stay connected with your essence. If answers exists you might be more likely to find them within you. In Spiritual Instinct there are questions about the meaning of life and the possible existence of something else; something divine. The struggle to be the best person for yourself and the people around you, to evolve as a soul. You have to face your demons if you want to be a better person.”

This inner conflict and desire for self-betterment fuels the record’s penultimate track Le Miroir, by turns gnashing and baleful, but as ever with Alcest, beautifully gilded and fueled by grace. Spiritual Instinct may well articulate Neige’s battle with existential anxiety, but he is keen to impress that at the core of his music is empowerment, of finding a path through darkness and towards the light. “I want the music to be beautiful; grand,” he agrees- “there is transformation in the process.”

Spiritual Instinct was recorded with producer Benoît Roux at France’s Drudenhaus studios, the same studio used for Kodama, between January and May of 2019. Ironically, the most immediate record in their catalogue born of the lengthiest, most arduous recording process. “We went crazy”” Neige laughs, “I think we put too much pressure on ourselves to create a worthy successor to Kodama. We also recorded on analogue tape, and it’s a much longer process, but there is something about the warmth of the sound when you record that way.”

Detailný popis:

Alcest
Spiritual Instinct

1. Les Jardins De Minuit
2. Protection
3. Sapphire
4. L'ile Des Morts
5. Le Miroir
6. Spiritual Instinct