Whenever I am listening to this artist, I dream about Africa. Yannick Iiunga from Cape Town is the new name on the music scene. After the successful EP The King Of Anxiety, he released his debut album La Vie Est Belle\Life is Beautiful. The King of Anxiety was characterized as subtle and luminous. The same can be said about the album. Both releases are under the Domino label and there is no big difference in production. The sound is equalized, oriented towards electronic and experimental music with soul vocal that sometimes goes to the extreme.
Known as Petite Noir, this multiinstrumentalist musician writes his lyrics. His writing is sensual and subtle, full of sexual energy and physical consciousness. He is never rude, only lascivious. Lyrics are easy and kind of shallow, but also memorable. Even though his name would suggest differently, songs are not dark. Positive vibrations just as in Just Breathe run through the whole record. Title track La Vie Est Belle has an optimistic message and it features rapper Baloji. The longest track Seventeen (Stay) is so meaningful. From the beginning to the end, this is a perfectly done song supported by a gorgeous vocal.
Songs are diverse. Each one of them has its own story. Overall, it is a celebration of life with the clear message that everything is going to be fine. Even when you hit the rock bottom, Petite Noir tells you to hold on in a track called Down. He knows where he comes from, but his music surpasses his experience. You can feel it wherever you were born.
It is rare to hear an album with such a clear articulation. Maybe there is a strong nostalgia behind his creative process, but Petite Noir covered it with this cheerful sound. Sensible, emotional and perceptional are the main facets of this album. It is so special. Give it a try and make your spring blossom even more.
