Release date: November 15, 2024
Accompanied by bassist Patrice Moret and drummer Julian Sartorius, Vallon explores his melodic instincts with greater depth while preserving the enigmatic qualities that characterize his distinctive style.
The trio’s bond has deepened, allowing them to craft rich, layered soundscapes with remarkable ease. They explore dynamic contrasts while building memorable hooks—whether melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic—with a deliberate, thoughtful approach. The album’s changing moods and textures are seamlessly tied together by an underlying pulse, giving the music a cohesive, heartbeat-like flow.
From the first listen, it’s clear that Samares introduces an intriguing blend of electronics and prepared piano, showcasing Colin Vallon’s ongoing exploration of sound, silence, and texture. Modifications to his instrument, such as pitch-altering devices, are made with a subtle touch. Combined with synth modulations, these elements occasionally blur the lines between acoustic and electronic tones, creating moments where the source of a sound feels intriguingly ambiguous.
The prepared piano also makes a subtle appearance on the album, notably on the delicate track Souch. Here, wooden blocks are used to modify the sound of the hammers striking the strings, creating a soft and fragile texture. The trio’s performance balances on a razor’s edge, exuding a sense of vulnerability as if the music could collapse under the weight of any unnecessary gesture. This careful equilibrium between the musicians preserves the intimacy of the moment, capturing a rare and fleeting beauty.
The album closes with Brin, one of Vallon’s most beautiful melodies. Tinged with a subtle melancholy, it forms a natural bookend to the opening track Racine, which evokes similar emotions but in a freer, more textured style. This seamless blend of texture, space, and melody defines Samares, an album that refuses to linger on past successes. Instead, it pushes forward, offering a sense of evolution and growth. The result is a deeply satisfying work that marks an exciting new chapter in the trio’s journey.
