Klaus is a project created by two very different musicians who wanted to experiment together: on one side Joe Grass, guitarist, accompanist of Patrick Watson, Elisapie and, more recently, of the formidable Mexican Silvana Estrada, on the other, François Lafontaine, keyboardist of Karkwa, Marie-Pierre Arthur and Galaxie.
Two musical investigators who enjoy stepping outside their comfort zones. After a first version, released in 2018, here is Klaus II, seven years later.
It begins with atmospheric synthesizer pads to which is added the voice, darker than usual, of Joe Grass.
Then, we find ourselves in a post-Bowie rock sound, where King Crimson would easily fit in. After that, we float on sophisticated, yet playful pop. And so on.
The music regularly alternates between dissonance and ballads, but always with a slightly experimental feel. In total, there are ten songs, all in English, on which Joe Grass enjoys harmonizing, switching from bass to tenor.
A playful blend of rock, pop, and prog, in which the two partners create atmospheres at will. They are both brilliant instrumentalists, and it shines through in their compositions. They received some help from friends, notably Robbie Kuster on drums.
One might get the impression that, at times, Klaus wants to pay homage to groups or musicians he likes. Or parody them.
However, Klaus II is enjoyable to listen to. It should be seen – and heard – as a side project by two artists who enjoyed making it.
