MIRABELLE: ‘LATE BLOOMER’ ALBUM REVIEW
‘Late Bloomer’ is a fresh project from Laurence Helie, who has returned to music under the new name Mirabelle. The album title is especially fitting, considering her poignant move away from producing French language folk albums; after a musical detox for a number of years, she has finally bloomed anew.
Helie certainly brushes away any cobwebs with stunning vocals and dreamy instrumentals. Storming into the new direction of alternative folk style, her songs are not unlike the melancholy romance of Lana Del Rey. Fans of American indie folk band Dark Dark Dark also shouldn’t hesitate to look in the wayward direction of ‘Late Bloomer’. The songs have a magical feel; as if you can lapse into a dreamworld just by turning the volume to full and closing your eyes.
The melodies definitely encapsulate those peaceful summer ambiances. Perfect for the long days and seemingly endless light nights. I would say the opening track ‘One in a Million’ signifies a sort of adolescence that only long summer days bring forth. There’s a certain quiet reflection that really pulls through in Helie’s music, the sound is almost fairytale-esque.
This new approach really allows Helie’s talent to shine; the music feels like a celebration of a journey. We can only listen captivated to the 10 beautifully stylised songs, as they conjure up pensive images in the mind of soft silvery clouds. In other words, ‘Late Bloomer’ allows us to slip into a relaxing, music induced, stupor. It’s only pressing pause that breaks the spell.
Her third track ‘Phénomène’ feels utterly cathartic. It’s written and sung entirely in French and listening to it makes you feel very cultured, as if you are perched in a Parisian café sipping a cappuccino. The lyrics occasionally transform into soft humming, and you’re lost again.
‘Late Bloomer’ has such a magical feel. It’s an album you can truly lose and find yourself in simultaneously. The new name, new approach and new record vision is working well for Laurence Helie. The synthetic sound in combination with celebratory lyrics are just enough to demonstrate a truly promising future for this upcoming artist, so recently gloriously freed from a creative block.
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