Just slightly over four years ago, the eccentric soul behind Igorrr (who goes as Gautier Serre in real life) pulled what I like to call a ‘Casualties of Cool’. By that I mean that just like Devin Townsend, Serre poured his deepest innards into a strongly emotional side project which showcases feelings and moods above everything else. And just like Devin’s foray, Corpo-Mente is a stark departure from what we are used to hearing from Serre.
Corpo-Mente is truly something special, regardless from which angle it is viewed. Stylistically it’s difficult to pin down – as any proper record is – but if I’d absolutely have to say it’s something then it would be that it’s kind of an acoustic/modern classical frame that is filled to the brim with operatic vocals and a strong trip-hop aesthetic, all of which is then painted with a zestful handful of glitchy electronic shades and splattered with just a dash of Igorrr’s characteristic black metal.
The flow and composure of the record is quite thoughtfully laid down with a truly progressive mindset. This reverberates with exuberance in really every moment. The listener isn’t just entertained but rather immersed in a dark, gloomy, and visceral territory where emotions are incarnated and roam free. This particular trait is enhanced thousandfold by Laure Le Prunenec’s vivid and dynamic vocal delivery. I’m not only talking about how her technical prowess is absolutely on point, but also about how every pulse is perfectly articulated. There are very few vocalists that reach anywhere near this level, and for that, Laure’s contribution is an integral part of what makes Corpo-Mente so special.
I would be remiss if I wouldn’t mention how the production value gives extra depth in nuance to the entire trip. It adds that extra pinch of color which is sometimes missing on albums that are equally well crafted. This attention to detail is what separates a really good record from a masterpiece. Corpo-Mente is by no means a show of technicality or intricate composition, quite the contrary; it is an elegant display of how soul-stirring properties can emerge from something relatively simple. It successfully conjures an entire realm around the listener with an effortless grace and that is where its mettle lies. Such records are the ones I personally live for, regardless of the form or style they come in. All I hope is that Corpo-Mente doesn’t remain a one-album-wonder like so many other amazing projects. From: https://everythingisnoise.net/features/a-scene-in-retrospect-corpo-mente-corpo-mente/
