Paving the way for more music, ‘Quand Je vois le Monde’ provides a striking look at Sharon Lazibyrd’s purposeful artistry. Championing a wholesome, acoustic folk formula, the Somerset-based songstress playfully contrasts round, malleable sonic character with more hard-hitting and relatable songwriting. In that sense, ‘Quand Je vois le Monde’ evokes a certain nostalgic French allure, a soundtrack for the end of the world. Not melancholic or sad, but still hypnotic and gloomy.
The piece is a wonderful taster for Lazibyrd’s upcoming album, ‘Tides Keep Turning’, a record that will likely expand and strengthen the project’s charged storytelling. Featuring on the single, we find Damon Bridge on accordion, piano and drums, Jeannette Owen on clarinet and Charlotte Worthy-Jarvis on bass, with Sharon herself on vocals and violin duties.
From a lyrical standpoint, Lazibyrd does not shy away from observant and political lyricism, translating the decadence of modern society into songwriting and aural form. She’s also not dwelling on metaphors or parallel imagery, instead going straight to the core of the issue: a political class that has failed us all, one that’s stricken with corruption and greed. As we are told: “This is a song for our times. It comments on the world, literally asking, when I see the world, I think, what is this? It is a call to action as well as a reflection on where we are right now.”
Recommended! ‘Quand Je vois le Monde’ is out everywhere on May 26th. Stay tuned!