The loss of a mutual friend brought three of the four members of Blue Coffee together, so there was always a good chance that their connection would translate into raw and reflective songwriting. A four-piece outfit hailing from Marseille, France, the band released their debut EP ‘Silent’ in 2019, but today I’d like to introduce you to their masterful new single ‘Smile and Tears’.
Clocking in at just under five and a half minutes, the tune is a treasure trove of sound – and there’s much to explore and unravel. The build-up is hauntingly beautiful, a mixture of guitars (both acoustic and electric) accompanying the heartfelt vocals of Nico de Bank.
We remain in that comforting setting for some time, before Nico’s drums and a soaring electric guitar are injected into proceedings. Hypnotic and deeply riveting, the listener gets sucked into Blue Coffee’s entrancing sonic world, before being swept away by one of the most soulful and moving saxophones performances I’ve ever heard.
Described by the act as “a poignant reflection on the bittersweet nature of life’s transitions”, ‘Smile and Tears’ is a beautifully melancholic song that captures loss in a stirring way. It’s also one of my favourite tracks of the year so far! Genius!
Serious tune alert! Enjoy ‘Smile and Tears’ on Spotify now:
