A little over five years after his first album and three years of inactivity, Rilès was ready to make his big comeback with SURVIVAL MODE, a 14-track project that explores the complex ups and downs of his life. From the raw survival instinct conveyed by the powerful “SURVIVAL” to the heart-wrenching love of “OBVIOUS,” the French artist remains true to form, navigating with ease between rap, soul, folk and R&B.
This long break has been beneficial for the Rouen native. More thoughtful and confident, this second album exudes maturity and stands out for its polished production. The universes and textures multiply, but remain coherent and deeply linked to the identity of Rilès, an artist who continues to evolve on the fringes of trends.
To mark the release of the project, Rilès pushed the limits of human endurance by running non-stop for 24 hours on a treadmill in front of an audience, a gesture that reflects the album itself: demanding and visceral. Sung mainly in English, punctuated with passages in French and even Japanese on “SAVE MY MIND,” SURVIVAL MODE shines with its catchy tracks and masterful diversity.
For those interested, Rilès will be visiting Montreal next June as part of the FIJM, his first visit to Quebec since 2019.
