CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS
Paranoïa, Angels, True Love (Because)
Christine And The Queens singer Chris has stated that last year’s Redcar Les Adorables Étoiles and this subsequent triple album have each been inspired by Tony Kushner’s play Angels In America. Appropriately enough, then, is this masterfully theatrical, absorbing, introspective record from one of the most compelling contemporary mainstream musicians in Europe.
Rich production comes from Chris himself and Mike Dean, and features enthralling collaborations with 070 Shake and Madonna on multiple tracks; the latter appearing as an ethereal guide on Chris’ spiritual journey on the album. Nods to Chris’ impressive cultural radar and myriad influences are evident, alongside his musical dexterity that sees Full Of Life running with an underlying sample of Pachelbel’s Canon.
Spanning both piano-driven minimalism (Flowery Days), grand, sweeping dramaturgies and falsetto (He’s Been Shining For Ever, Your Son) and heartwrenching contemplations (To Be Honest), Paranoïa, Angels, True Love offers a front row seat to Chris’ most existential and personal voyage to date.
words CHLOË EDWARDS
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