Album Review: Rénovations – Blank (Self Released)

Rénovations are an electro-rock trio based in Edinburgh, consisting of mainland European members: Charlotte Pulcino (Vocals and Bass) Ioana Pavel (Guitars) and Gian Sudar (Drums and Synths). The trio formed in October 2019 and started writing during the first lockdown of 2020. Inspired by the effects of Brexit, the pandemic, self-isolation, the media and social distancing, they have recorded six singles, one EP, a debut album, and their second album, titled ‘Blank’, (funded by Help Musicians UK) will be released on 10th June 2023.

There’s probably no better introduction to the tightrope balance between experimentalism and accessibility that Rénovations have to offer on Blank than opening track Precious Stone. An intro that meshes electro-infused beats, a big chorus, dramatic melodies, and body-shaking groove. It’s all kinds of wacky but also all kinds of wonderful.

If you’re sold on that, things only get better from this point onwards. A poppy singalong in the form of Bed Is in the Bathroom, the anthemic Rince and Wring, the wonderful melodic power that oozes out of Yell, and the big rock and electro groove of Time Is a Common Problem. Each track offers up variety and catchiness, uniquely interesting and extremely likable music.

That continues with Scars as Rénovations continue to experiment in exciting ways. A track with some drama, heartfelt melody, and just a small amount of bite. It, like so much of this album, is exceptionally catchy.

Up next is Larguée, where the off-kilter melody doesn’t quite hit, but the band make up for it with their massive chorus. Following that up with one of the album’s best tracks in Forest, simply because of the eerie opening segment, melodic interludes, and the overall electro vigour of the track once it gets going. Before Grind Mentality and Repetitions serve as reminders of just how impressively Rénovations can combine electro-beats and rock punchiness.

Two more absolute anthems, ones that will speak to a lot of people, from a band that is more than capable of doing this in their sleep. No further proof needed than the last two tracks on the album, Euphoria and Sphere. Undeniably listenable right up to the very end.

Rénovations – Blank Track Listing:

1. Precious Stone
2. Bed Is in The Bathroom
3. Rinse and Wring
4. Yell
5. Time Is a Common Problem
6. Scars
7. Larguée
8. Forest
9. Grind Mentality
10. Repetitions
11. Euphoria
12. Sphere

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