We have been eagerly waiting for a new album from Esmerine since their 2013 glorious and wonderful Dalmak, which was one of our Album Picks of the Year. Fortunately, news of their fifth full-length emerged last month. The Montréal chamber rock ensemble will release their new effort, Lost Voices, on October 16th via Constellation.
The label describes the album as “the most dynamic and incendiary record of the group’s career”, adding that it is “cerebral and visceral, controlled and volatile, and wholly cinematic in scope throughout.”.
Lost Voices sees Esmerine expand their core line-up, with the addition of bassist Jeremi Roy, who had been a touring member since 2013. The album was recorded by Vid Cousins (Kid Koala, Amon Tobin, Colin Stetson) and it was mixed and produced by Jace Lasek (The Besnard Lakes). Cousins and Lasek are also two of the stellar contributors guesting on some of the album tracks, alongside Godspeed You! Black Emperor/Thee Silver Mt. Zion violinist Sophie Trudeau, Colin Stetson and James Hakan Dedeoglu, amongst others.
The first taste from the album comes in the shape of ‘The Neighbourhoods Rise’, the monumental opening track. Here it is.