Cyann & Ben - Freshest French Scene
Cyann and who? Cyann and Ben, that’s who. They’re only the best thing to come out of France and embrace the Indie Rock scene with open arms.
I had the pleasure of having a chat with the quartet’s drummer, Charlie, and despite overcoming the understanding his words through his thick French accent, I managed to catch up on the details for the bands latest project's, plans for the future and mainly the release of their third album ‘Sweet Beliefs’ which hit the stores September 11th.
Although the band’s name may be a little misleading, Cyann (vocals, keyboard) and Ben (vocals, guitar) were originally a duet back in 2001 and were only later joined by Loic (guitar, bass and keyboard) and Charlie (percussion and keyboard). Together the ambitious four produce a unique genre of music, ranging between sweet mellow indie to just French post-rock. But judging by the selection of albums they’ve offered to open ear, the only thing that has been pushed forward is the depth of lyrics.
“I think that the main change comes from the sound and the tradition.” Charlie explains the differences between each album. “But now we are more experienced. We are now more mature.”
One thing about a new album means new video clips and for they shy rockers, they wanted to keep it simple, yet interesting. “Let it Lay was directed by a friend of ours. He wanted to make something out of the band and he just said to us ‘Do you want to make a short sequence, maybe just a one minute sequence?’ That’s how it worked out.”
As for traveling, Cyann and Ben have it all sorted out. At the moment the band are doing their mini-European tour which relies heavily on French towns but out-spacing in areas and maybe even thinking of overseas. Charlie suggests that if the touring starts off small, it will eventually expand through general interest.
“It’s good to get some good reviews and some good response from doing that. We’re doing a couple of shows in the next few weeks and one show in London, which we’re looking forward too.”
Cyann and Ben’s latest Album “Sweet Beliefs” is available at any good alternative European store or can be purchased online.
-- Catherine Parrish
