When I think of British trio Saint Etienne, I’m transported to the 90s: a blend of indie-dance tracks infused with 60s influences like “Nothing Can Stop Us.” Their music conjures images of kitchen-sink dramas, green MGs, Capris, and slices of everyday life wrapped in catchy melodies and breathy vocals. They’re even a Christmas tradition in my mind, thanks to their festive single “I Was Born on Christmas Day.”
This year, Saint Etienne gift us their 12th studio album, The Night, released through Heavenly Recordings just in time for the holiday season. Created in collaboration with composer-producer Augustin Bousfield, The Night was recorded between January and August 2024 in Saltaire and Hove. It follows their critically acclaimed 2021 album, I’ve Been Trying To Tell You, and while both records share a conceptual approach, The Night takes an even more tranquil and cinematic turn.
Listening to The Night during a weekend storm felt like stepping into its calm, serene eye. Rainwater is a recurring motif throughout the album—not in a torrential downpour but as a soothing, meditative presence. Instead, the album foregoes traditional song structures, offering a series of interconnected soundscapes designed to evoke peace and introspection.
The 14-track journey begins with “Settle In,” a piece that feels like the closing moments of a private gathering. Laughter and conversation fade, and a soft voice invites you to “Take it nice and easy, settle in…” before transitioning into dreamy ambient tones.
The lead single, “Half Light,” captures the liminal beauty of dusk. Band member Pete Wiggs describes it as “the edge of night, the last rays of the sun flickering through the branches, communing with nature and seeing things that might not be there.” Its ethereal qualities set the stage for the album’s delicate balance of nostalgia and imagination.
Among the highlights is the harpsichord’s enchanting presence on tracks like “Northern Countries East” and the hauntingly beautiful “Preflyte.” The latter, with its poignant lyrics—“Turning from the plane, I could have put my foot down and stood in your way, but I let you fly… let you fly away…”—lingers in the heart long after the music fades. It’s a cinematic moment that feels raw, organic, and achingly bittersweet.
“No Rush” melds gentle orchestration with birdsong, creating a reflective, almost hypnotic soundscape. The music begs to be experienced with headphones, where every detail resonates deeply.
The Night is not an album for everyone. Fans expecting the danceable Saint Etienne of yesteryears may be surprised. But for those seeking a post-party escape or a dreamy soundtrack to unwind with, this album offers a deeply soothing experience. It’s a lullaby for the modern age—best savoured before sleep, one delicate note at a time.
Be the first to comment