With all the mess we’ve had this year, we had forgotten to comment on the second work of the synth pop duo Scenius. As we told you in 2020, their debut album, entitled Enough Fears was one of the surprises of the year. We already knew Steve Whitfield from Klammer and with this project the French singer Fabrice Nau entered our lives. If you want to know a little more about Scenius, we interviewed them that same year. Now, their second album, entitled Life Is A Thing has been released on digital and Cd.
What has caught my attention the most in this work is the great improvement in the electronic part, it sounds more modern and original and with more prominence. Although the sound is reminiscent of the eighties, the production gives it a modern touch or perhaps, the modernity still sounds like thirty years ago. For his part Fabrice is fantastic again, so little to add in that aspect.
The album starts with the melancholic synth pop of “Life is a Thing Again” with a production that in its simplicity sounds modern. It also features a great chorus highlighted by keyboards and a wonderfully melancholic bridge. “A Million To Go” is slightly more upbeat, although the keyboards at the beginning sound very evocative and Frabrice emanates melancholy. It might remind you a bit of The Human League or OMD. “High Low” came out as a single and understandably as it is one of the best tracks. It has a more electro synth sound that sounds cutting edge, some danceable and original rhythms and a production full of details. Fatrice gives it his personal touch. After two records we must say that he has a very unique and recognisable style. Sung in French “La Même Nuit” has an air of another time thanks to the voice but a production that brings you to the present. It sounds dark and is one of the highlights of the album. With a long intro that makes me think of falling drops, “Hindsight” is mysterious and cinematic, and Fabrice sings with passion. “Chinese Room” was released as a single and as with “High Low” we think it’s a good choice. It has a great chorus and a sound close to Visage. “Escalation” is another amazing composition, dark and mysterious with nice keyboards and an air of OMD mainly in the synth line after the chorus. “Moon Fall” features some fast-paced and original rhythms, Fabrice’s always warm vocals and a very detailed production. “Rise Above” is another slow track, very cinematic where Fabrice can show off in a great performance. We close with another dreamy track, entitled “Hot Dust” with some moment reminiscent of Tubeway Army in its long intro and that will make you think that, sometimes, the past is the only future.
