by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
By releasing their debut album on New Year’s Day, Fievel Is Glauque ensured their album would be the first essential of the year. God’s Trashmen Sent To Right The Mess arrived just as 2021 began, released via new label La Loi, and while the debut project on a brand new label may seem unfamiliar, it should be known that Zach Phillips (OSR Tapes, Blanche Blanch Blanche, etc) is the mastermind behind both. He’s been a creative force within the national and international DIY community for well over a decade at this point, and amongst his many accomplishments, Fievel Is Glauque may be his best project yet. Located out of Brussels, Phillips teams up with the amazing Ma Clément, who handles all the vocals with an undeniable radiance. Together the pair worked with five large ensembles (over 30 musicians) to create their world, with appearances from Chris Cohen, Stephe Cooper (Cloud Becomes Your Hand, Guerilla Toss), Quentin Moore (Big French), Ryan Power, and so many others. With so many people involved, it’s hard to believe the album feels as cohesive as it does, but this one is a gem, through and through.
Built on lo-fi jazz, wonky soul, and avant-pop sounds, the project is like a lounge act with a head full of acid, brilliant and engaging at every turn, unafraid to take chances. The album really needs to be heard in full. For those that want a taste before diving in however, we are thrilled to premiere the band’s “Simple Affairs” video, directed by Phillips with help from Annie Loucka. Opening with a sprawl of soprano sax courtesy of Shoko Igarashi, the song quickly slinks into a groove as Clément’s French accented English strolls over the progressive jazz. The song rattles between bursts of noise and tranquil pop, skewed to perfection. Check out and the video and then go to listen to the album in full, as God’s trashmen intended.