Rising Parisian supergroup L’Impératrice have taken the electronic world by storm with their latest studio album, Pulsar, which includes hit singles “Me Da Igual” and “Love from the Other Side.”
Whether you’ve been captivated by L’Impératrice‘s sun-soaked, funk-infused disco vibes since their debut self-titled EP in 2015 or you’ve just discovered their interplanetary dance-pop, you’ve likely fallen in love with their fusion of French touch, disco, hip-hop, and house elements. This unique blend delivers a sonic experience that’s truly one of a kind in the music world. With their recent surge in popularity, they’ve become a must-see at North American staple festivals like Austin City Limits, Outside Lands, and most recently, a weekend highlight performance during the golden hour of Coachella this past April.
The wait is over for L’Impératrice fans as the band unveils their third studio album, Pulsar. This album is a breath of fresh air in the dance music scene, breaking away from the traditional four-on-the-floor formula. Pulsar features seven brand-new tracks, including three previously released singles that had only sharpened our appetite for more. The album is carried by the silky smooth vocals of L’Impératrice’s Parisian frontwoman and incredibly talented vocalist, Flore Benguigui, while also showcasing the well-polished contributions of each band member as they come together as L’Impératrice, which translates to “the empress.“
While the six-person band brings more to the stage than most acts in the electronic circuit these days, their seamless synchronization truly sets them apart. Their energy ebbs and flows from track to track throughout Pulsar, creating a live experience that’s hard to match. Sometimes, we find ourselves swaying side to side in sunset-centric, chilled-out bliss. Others see us throw both hands above our heads while festival-proven bangers carry an energy that could go on forever.
As Pulsar is available now on all major streaming platforms, take a closer look at the stellar third album from French electronic band L’Imperatrice with our in-depth review below.
Stream L’Impératrice – Pulsar on Spotify:
Pulsar‘s three previously released tracks set the tone perfectly for the rest of the album. The easy standout comes from “Me Da Igual,” which was not only the first single to hit the airwaves from Pulsar but is also an instantly danceable, smile-inducing bop that perfectly defines the sound and direction L’Imperaterice is heading with its latest efforts.
Other early hits are also abundant on planet Pulsar, as the second single comes in the form of “Danza Marilù” featuring lyrics from the wildly talented Italian vocalist Fabiana Martone. It’s a tip of the cap to how L’Imperatrice’s French touch meeting addictive Italo-disco vibes instantly feels like a match made in Eurodance heaven. Despite the vast, repetitive nature of the single, it still ranks high on our list.
L’impératrice seemingly aimed to attract fans from all walks of dance music with their latest album and deeply succeeded.
The most recently released single, “Love from the Other Side,” expertly captures fans from the mellower, groovier side of dance music. This sultry, slow-burning track shines a light on L’Imperatrice’s skillfully crafted, more soothing side while still capable of commanding a crowd.
As we delve into the band’s latest tracks, “Cosmogonie” delivers the opening score, sonically taking us from the earth’s surface into the outer realms. This track is full of ethereal chords and powerful synth leads, setting the tone as the first drop of the album propels listeners into funky French house bliss. Meanwhile, “Amour Ex Machina” flawlessly matches the energy. A club-ready kick-snare combo drives it forward as electrified, disco-drenched synths dominate the irresistibly dancey vibe.
Sliding into Pulsar‘s second half, L’Impératrice tap globally celebrated vocalist Maggie Rogers for “Any Way,” A pacified yet impeccably smooth sunset vibe that places Roger’s irrefutable lyricism and vocal work front and center. L’imperatrice’s expertly crafted synth pads, delicate snares, and the right amount of hi-hats pair perfectly with soulful strings without overpowering Roger’s star power on this instant album highlight. It is an unlikely yet flawless collaboration all the same.
The mellow vibe remains robust on “Déjà-vue.”
“Déjà-vue” is a track tailor made for smokey lounges draped in red velvet as Benguigui’s silky vocals transport us to another time. While L’Impératrice consistently delivers excellent slow, mellow vibes, they once again pick up the tempo in their exciting return to the dance floor with “Girl.” It’s a fantastically funky jam that highlights the band’s addictive, bouncing bass lines, well-polished strings, and captivating claps that will have you two-stepping into the sunset.
As we approach Pulsar’s curtain call, “Sweet and Sublime,” featuring Brooklyn-based rapper, singer, and producer Erick The Architect of Flatbush Zombies, explores the possibilities of hip-hop-driven funk. The collaboration lands nicely. However different it may be from the rest of the tracks, the variety and sudden shift in vibe are thriving here. The band continue to surprise as the signature sound remains prominent, allowing their hand-picked collaborators to stand independently.
If there is one track from Pulsar that expertly encapsulates the band as a whole, it is, in fact, the eponymous finale that we have waited patiently to hear since the very first note of the album. “Pulsar” shines a spotlight on every element that makes the band great and boldly showcases each member’s mastery of their craft individually, bringing these six musicians together to create one of the most forward-thinking ensembles of recent times in electronic music.
Pulsar is out now on all major platforms, take a listen on Spotify below, and grab tickets to see the album live as L’Impératrice hits the road this summer across Europe before landing stateside in Septemeber.
L’Impératrice – Pulsar – Tracklist:
- Cosmogonie
- Amour Ex Machina
- Me Da igual
- Love from the Other Side
- Danza Marilu (feat. Fabiana Martone)
- Any Way (feat. Maggie Rogers)
- Déjà-vue
- Girl!
- Sweet & Sublime (feat. Erick the Architect)
- Pulsar
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