A delightful imposture. Arnold definitely fall into the new wave of the so-called Chanson française, a true find, a pioneering band with delicately aranged lyrics beyond what is commonly expected of a popular music ensemble. The melodies are intoxicating and every single track on this new LP called ‘Escroc’ is a keeper. 1 CD purchased equals 1 free beer, 11 songs and 1 amazing journey. The ex-Chupa Chuvas have more than 200 performances behind them, not only the experience of the dirty underground clubs, with sometimes no amplification, but also an impressive array of opening slots. (Bénabar, Ogres de Barback, Hurlements de Léo, Michel Delpech, ect.). The lyrics of Arnold are visceral, wickedly clever and yet at once down to earth and relatable. Driven at times by delicate, sometimes care free croonings, clever chord progressions and a few indie rock sensibilities, the band have put together an LP that is immediate, but not shallow, original, but part of the mainstream. In the spirit of the true troubador they write out of a desire to share that experience of youth that is so truely felt, and lived by them.
