Les Mécanos will unveil their new album ‘’Usures’’ on its release November 22, 2024, on L-EMA / InOuïe Distribution. This opus will be presented on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, on the stage of the Studio de L’Ermitage during an exceptional launch concert.
The singles “Deman matin” and “Les Piafs” are already available on all platforms.
Three years after their eponymous ep and over a hundred shows across France, Europe, and Canada, Les Mécanos release their first album: Usures. While continuing their exploration of occitan polyphony, the ten musicians affirm their belonging to this new generation emerging from the so-called «traditional» music (Barrut, Cocanha…). Based in Saint-Étienne, France, and its surroundings, the collective reinvents popular music which is rooted in the history of this former industrial region.
Vocals and percussion:
Rémi BACHER
Gaël BERNAUD
Martin BUB
Antoine CHILLET
Sylvère DECOT
Jonathan DURAJ
BENOIT FEUGÈRE
Jérémie PLASSON
Simon POURRAT
Guillaume SBAÏZ
Driven by the desire to shape an original repertoire and give voice to the working-class memory of Saint-Étienne, the group draws freely from the local repertoire, regional archives, in its beliefs and its imagination to write its own lyrics and create exciting music, enriched by the many influences of its members.
Usures unveils a captivating musical tapestry, at times frantic, delicate, festive, and committed. The group’s maturity shines through the freedom taken in its arrangements. The generosity of their early days is still present, and one can feel the striking synergy of the ten voices, delivering a powerful polyphony or infusing melodies with a surprising sweetness.
Like their grandparents who would switch from French to their regional dialect within the same conversation, Les Mécanos sing in both languages, sometimes mixing them, and showcase rugged, frenetic percussions to convey a decidedly contemporary message and embrace a certain vision of the world and our social history.
The camaraderie of these ten friends is faithfully captured by Thomas Masson, who has collaborated with them on stage for 4 years. Les Mécanos have benefited from the experienced support of Titouan Billon (Barrut, Du Bartas) for co-artistic direction and Bruno Preynat (Mickey 3D, Barrio Populo…) for mastering.
