“Polaroïds” : Lescop donne des couleurs à la new wave qui lui est chère

Mathieu Peudupin, known artistically as Lescop, returns with his fourth studio album, "Polaroïds," set for release on October 30, 2026, via Labréa Music and Wagram. This project marks a notably swift follow-up to his 2024 record "Rêve parti," signaling a period of creative momentum for the French musician.

Continuing his long-standing partnership with producer Thibault Frisoni, Lescop sustains the cold edges of new wave music that have defined his sound while introducing an increased sense of brightness and nuance. The album emerges as a bridge between the starkness of punk’s rawness and the smooth allure of pop, a space where Lescop’s music has comfortably existed since his breakthrough hit "La Forêt" in 2012.

In "Polaroïds," Lescop explores themes consistent with his artistic identity—desire, solitude, cinematic imagery, and troubled love—but approaches these motifs with a renewed sensibility. Rejecting traditional narrative structures, the album is constructed from a series of evocative snapshots, as suggested by its title. Tracks like "Traces," "Boulevards," "Flashback," and "Poèmes" evoke fleeting memories and emotional fragments rather than a linear storyline.

The lead single "Comète" exemplifies this approach, delivering a concise, two-minute experience that balances pop melody with synth-driven austerity. This track metaphorically captures a fleeting, glowing entity that becomes visible only through interaction with light, symbolizing the album’s interplay between darkness and illumination.

Collaborations on "Polaroïds" further enrich the album's texture. Flora Fisbach lends her ethereal vocals on the opening track "Bleu," engaging in a haunting exchange with Lescop's voice. Meanwhile, Marie-Flore contributes her delicate presence amid the album’s 1980s-inspired synth layers, adding depth and variety.

One standout moment is the song "Loup," which revisits a darker territory reminiscent of the French band Taxi Girl’s new wave legacy. Its nocturnal narrative and mood evoke a somber aura, contrasting yet complementing the album’s lighter moments.

Lescop’s artistic journey encompasses more than music; he has previously ventured into rock with the band Asyl, explored post-funk with his project Serpent, and expanded into literature with his debut novel "Devenir loup," which coincides with the album's release. Rather than signaling a new direction, "Polaroïds" acts as a synthesis of these creative experiences, capturing his evolving identity in vivid color.

The album announcement also includes a live performance scheduled for April 2, 2027, at La Gaîté Lyrique in Paris, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the new material in an intimate setting.

According to lesinrocks.com, "Polaroïds" signals a moment where Lescop's long-standing fascination with melancholy and shadow is tempered by a fresh infusion of light and collaboration, underscoring his refusal to be confined by genre boundaries. The resulting work reflects a mature artist consolidating his past influences while embracing subtle evolution.