Julien Delaye’s album "Open Air Desertlike Discotheque" brings Art Rock to life
French singer-songwriter Julien Delaye debuts with Open Air Desertlike Discotheque, an album that merges art rock's reflective, genre-blending world with his distinct sonic footprint. The record’s title alone is an invitation to explore its desert-like expanse—a place where light meets darkness, nostalgia merges with modernity, and danceable grooves hide uneasy undertones. Created as a one-man opus, Delaye's debut showcases his inventive spirit and skillful production, all wrapped in the evocative atmosphere of his Marseilles roots.
The album’s opener, “Directions,” sets the tone with Delaye’s expressive vocals carrying a Cohen-esque rawness that immediately draws you into his universe. His voice, deep and resonant, guides the listener across musical terrains that feel equal parts familiar and otherworldly, mixing elements of alt-rock with dark psychedelia. The track’s eerie guitar riffs and subtle atmospheric layers serve as the perfect intro, pulling you in while hinting at the emotional depths to come.
Throughout Open Air Desertlike Discotheque, Delaye leans heavily into chiaroscuro, using contrasting light and dark tones in both his lyrics and arrangements. The album captures moods that are danceable yet tinged with an underlying melancholy, where stories are told with dark humor that’s both intriguing and unsettling. The haunting “While You Were Laughing” epitomizes this balance, blending vibrant alternative rock with psychedelic influences to create a sound that’s both upbeat and introspective. It’s a standout track that showcases Delaye’s ability to keep the listener hanging on every note, creating something immersive and emotive.
Influences from the raw elegance of Leonard Cohen and the atmospheric experimentation of Pink Floyd are evident, but Delaye never relies too heavily on his inspirations. Instead, he combines their essence with his own modern sensibilities, producing songs that feel distinctively his own. Tracks sway between danceable beats and experimental sounds, weaving an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and intensely present. The entire album, with its darkly humorous lyrics and vivid storytelling, carries a touch of the Arctic Monkeys' emotional punch but keeps Delaye’s own uniquely French coolness at its core.
Beyond the music, Open Air Desertlike Discotheque feels like an immersive journey, a sonic and visual art project that extends past the music itself. Delaye’s dark, powerful vocals anchor each track, giving the album its emotional intensity and helping to create an atmospheric tension that lingers even after the record ends. From its striking opening to its contemplative close, Delaye’s debut is more than just a listening experience; it’s an exploration into a mind where contrasts live in harmony, forming an open-air discotheque under the desert sky—a place where art rock finds a bold new voice.
With Open Air Desertlike Discotheque, Julien Delaye offers a compelling debut that showcases his talent for creating a unique atmosphere and sound. The album invites listeners to step into his world—a world that feels both timeless and entirely of its own making.
He somehow manages to blend vintage sounds with modern technique, ultimately creating an album that is undeniably fresh! We’ve loved our listen and will certainly be coming back for more. Do yourselves a favor and click those links below to listen and follow along for more.
Listen to “Open Air Desertlike Discotheque”
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