From cutting his teeth behind the decks of The Haçienda to headlining festival stages worldwide, Laurent Garnier has established himself as one of the most renowned figures in electronic music. Spanning not just decades, but moods and styles, his career is the stuff of dance music legend. After an eight-year hiatus, Garnier returns with his latest album, 33 Tours Et Puis S’en Vont. A dancefloor-oriented odyssey, it’s a lengthy opus that pays homage to his legendary career by showcasing Garnier’s innate command of house, techno, and more, while also testifying to Garnier’s extensive experience in warehouses, clubs, and festivals.
Each track exudes a thrilling blend of musical tension and release, and with most tracks crossing the 9 minute mark, Garnier gives plenty of room for these ideas to build. From the club-leaning tracks like Liebe Grüße Aus Cucuron to Granulator Bordelum, Garnier’s expertise shines through, capturing the essence of his years in the industry. Garnier skilfully incorporates vocals into his compositions, drawing inspiration from various genres. Collaborating with 22Carbone, the hip-hop infused In Your Phase leaves a lasting impression on anyone who has witnessed Garnier’s recent DJ sets. Additionally, Saturn Drive Triplex pays homage to the late Alan Vega of the influential duo Suicide, infusing a punk spirit into the album.
Download and stream 33 Tours Et Puis S’en Vont here
Not confined to a single style, Garnier surprises listeners with tracks like …et puis s’en Va!, a mesmerising left field downtempo piece, and Sado Miso, an exploration into drum & bass. These offerings provide a glimpse into Garnier’s diverse musical palette. In the case of tracks like the latter though, Garnier betrays his age. There’s a sense of things feeling stuck in the past, which gives some of his experiments on this album a dated feeling.
Overall, 33 Tours Et Puis S’en Vont is a testament to Laurent Garnier’s enduring talent and his ability to continually push boundaries within the electronic music realm. This album is a must-listen for both devoted fans and newcomers alike, showcasing the evolution of an artist who has shaped the dance music landscape for decades.
Preview the album below.
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