The new album from French singer Raoul Vignal reveals a genuinely expressive voice. There's enough here in Years in Marble to earn some comparisons to Nick Drake or the Incredible String Band, and loads more to prompt more original words of praise. The Talitres release is haunting and lovely throughout.
"City Birds" is a gentle ramble, while "Coastal Town" manages to serve some tension amid the rather gentle chords. Vignal's art owes much to that of earlier pioneers like John Martyn and Nick Drake, but he's no revivalist since this stuff stands fully on its own, and retains a contemporary charm. "Summer Sigh" nearly bursts forward with energy, but Vignal wisely holds things in check. His husky voice and sense of restraint give everything on Years in Marble a quiet power, and when combined with his deft way with a guitar-line, things sound even better.
Years in Marble is out now via Talitres.