Bolbec‘s debut “Victime De L’aube” is a captivating voyage through imaginary cinematic landscapes. Childhood friends Axel Concato and Barth Corbelet have crafted an eclectic blend of spiritual jazz, folk, classical, and electronic textures that could soundtrack enigmatic films.

The multi-instrumentalists draw from a kaleidoscope of influences, channelling the evocative soundtracks of Piero Piccioni and Michel Legrand. Bolbec’s unique sound emanates from their deft handling of myriad instruments, bolstered by the Nostalgia 77 rhythm section’s deft touch.

The spellbinding opener, “Rue Nue,” sets the cinematic tone with haunting synth motifs. Standouts like the bossa-tinged “Feuille D’orage” and the spirited “Vengeance Tropicale” showcase Bolbec’s singular musicality, hinting at Mal Waldron and Aldemaro Romero. The modal jazz exploration “À L’instar Du Flair” conjures Yusef Lateef’s mystic wanderings.

The poignant title track encapsulates the album’s meditations on dawn’s emotional hues. Bolbec describes it as evoking “this moving feeling when night and dreams end while the morning sun sets the bedroom curtain alight.” Fittingly, the wistful closer “Nuitée” bids farewell to this dreamscape.

With additional orchestral textures gracing several tracks, “Victime De L’aube” is a richly immersive debut. Bolbec has forged a spellbinding synthesis of deep jazz, avant-garde electronics, and musique concrète that will leave a lasting impression.