Geneviève Racette – No Water, No Flowers
InTempo Musique – 24 May 2019
Earlier this year Montreal hosted the International Folk Alliance Conference. An event primarily focused on the industry side of the Folk and Roots scene, showcasing talent from across the world to concert bookers, record labels and music industry types. This year the UK was represented by over thirty acts including artists Blair Dunlop, Maz O’Connor, Luke Jackson and The Trials of Cato, but being a host City also helps local musicians and in this case, French-Canadian Geneviève Racette stood out as she raised awareness of her music and new album No Water, No Flowers.
Racette grew up in the West Island area of Montreal, in a small suburb called Dorval considered pretty much as bi-lingual a place you’ll find anywhere. She is the daughter of two musical parents and having studied music, it was no surprise she followed her dream and became a singer songwriter.
No Water, No Flowers is Racette’s second album and first bi-lingual release following her 2015 self-titled EP and 2016 debut album Les Aurores Boréales. Following this, a choice to explore something different saw an EP in English of cover songs.
No Water, No Flowers marks a shift from the Folk/Pop feel of her debut, offering a deeper sound and reflecting contemporary Americana influences with moments of mid-century folk.
Lyrically the themes heard on this Album vary, but all respond to some challenging moments in her life. She sings at times with a grieving heart, reflecting on life and death using her songs as a relief and part of a cathartic process. She manages well not to project any morose indulgences keeping the rhythm upbeat and hopeful. Throughout, the honesty and openness shining from her spirit win over, leaving a sense of peace and understanding.
The album starts with a song called Parachute, swaying softly from the outset it introduces Racette’s beautifully warm vocals which echo the “grace and ease” mentioned in her lyrics. The song cleverly uses a range of instruments to provide substance. Delicate mandolin fingerpicked notes offer a contrast to the soothing rhythm guitar and drums, and towards the end, a searching guitar solo pulls Racette back into the song exposing a real vulnerability to her voice; the perfect introduction to the heart and soul heard throughout the rest of the tracks.
Using the backdrop of a banjo with great effect, she recalls a heartfelt story of missing someone on Northern Star singing “I can feel you everywhere, through the water, through the air, I know where you are my northern star”.
The first French song is Sans Toi (Without You). Whether you speak French or not, you can pick up the song’s essence. Written by one of Racette’s friends, it was while writing the music for it that she felt a deep connection, it fits the album’s tone perfectly.
Situated midway through the album, Margo’s Song is an undoubted highlight, in what feels like a slower more acoustic mid-section. The raw simplicity, combining with low volume guitar, give the poetic sadness of the words nowhere to hide. It’s one of the most personal and emotional songs on the album.
The album finishes with In your Arms and Racette singing “not putting my guard down until I’m safe and sound”. This record is “guard down” song writing, making it an essential album for Racette and a high point for anyone newly discovering her.
Racette describes herself as a “Dreamer in a world of doubts, which has given her a lot to sing about”. Her songs are brave and achingly vulnerable. The cosy Americana vibe found on the title track generates a wonderfully comforting feel that continues throughout the album with her melody and soul delivering a soothing impact that transcends any language barriers; a deeply rewarding listen.