Following the critically-acclaimed Variations fantômes (2011), one of the most remarkable records ever recorded here in Quebec (Jim Corcoran, CBC), Ornithologie, la nuit will see the light of day on April 22nd via Bonsound. Written and produced by Philippe B himself, this fourth album offers timeless classic pop songs. With this opus, he reasserts his strong songwriting skills as well as his enviable position on the Francophone musical landscape.
Don't miss the album launch in Montreal at Lion d'Or on Tuesday, April 22nd, and the concert in Quebec City at Le Cercle on May 10th. Until then, stream the song Ornithologie I and watch the album trailer. Ornithologie, la nuit is available now for pre-order (vinyl, CD, digital) via philippeb.ca.
Considered as one of the great Quebecois singer-songwriters (VOIR), Philippe B recorded his latest opus in Montreal at Studio Taxidermie, Studio Victor and the Chapelle St-Louis. Abandoning the classical music samples, the key element of his previous effort, Philippe creates here a late-night soundtrack, both modern and vintage, by juxtaposing wind instruments and two female voices (Audrey-Michèle Simard's and Amélie Mandeville's).
Translating Philippe's nightbird tendencies, the 14 songs of the album describe the course of a protagonist from the shadows to the light. Spread out over the course of one year, Ornithologie, la nuit accompanies the main character on his search for meaning and daily pleasures in order to achieve healing as the year progresses. Taken from the opening track, La complainte du scaphandrier, the following lyrics brilliantly illustrate the internal battle to find happiness again:
J'ai peur de remonter trop vite des profondeurs (I'm scared of surfacing too quickly from deep waters)
De laisser mon coeur exploser (Of letting my heart explode)
De laisser ma peau s'exposer (Of letting my skin expose itself)