We discovered the French band Alam in 2017 through the release of their album 'Sounds Of Freedom', a delightful blend of reggae with influences from soul, rock, pop, and hip-hop. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a few years of forced silence, but now the band led by Marie Biguereau returns with 'Rise', venturing more into the digital realm (as can be heard in opener 'Love Revolution').
By Jah Rebel
The bulk of the tracks on ‘Rise’ were recorded during the gloomy lockdown moments of the pandemic, and in her lyrics, Marie mainly reflects on the urge to be together again, to care for each other, and to move forward collectively, perfectly encapsulated in title track ‘Rise’:
Now that my pain is gone,
Now I feel that am really steady to go on,
Ready to chase everything that makes you feel bad,
Ready to make you dance and keep up the vibes,
Brought back many good vibes and music in my bag
And a lot of shiny melodies are in my mind
Now I’m ready to sing these songs,
Ready to dance with all you people all night long
Rise, grow up and rise, find peace and get wise, oh rise, stronger now
Rise grow up and rise, find peace and get wise, oh rise, stronger now rise
Tell me do you want some more,
To dance on the music and listen to the words
Put your dancing shoes come with your mates to the show,
Give yourself a break now it’s time to celebrate
Together we’ll share more love
We’ll share these good energies from the floor
Are you ready to sing these songs,
Ready to dance with all the people all night long
I’ve travelled far away, met many people on the way,
Now I know I’ve found my place,
I’m ready for better days,
Yes I’m ready to sing these songs,
Ready to dance with all you people all night long
Tell me if you want some more
I know you won’t miss these moments for sure
…
For this album, the band collaborated with Matthieu Bost (riddim maker, saxophonist, and the remaining half of duo Bost & Bim), who contributed to tracks like ‘Back To The Light’ (one of our personal favourites from the track list), the aforementioned title track ‘Rise’, and the highly enjoyable ‘Fire Of Joy’. They also worked with Senegalese artist Lidiop (see also Soom T’s ‘Born Again’), who handled the production of the slow, intimate ‘Joyful Soul’.
Remaining: the solid rock guitars of ‘Choose Or Lose’, the poppy ‘You Know’, ‘Hope’, which was given a somewhat corny acoustic intro, and finally, closing track ‘Calling’, seeing the band venturing into the (semi-)acoustic realm a second time.
Not all tracks on ‘Rise’ could convince, but Alam remains a charming outlier in the French reggae scene.
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
March 16, 2024