There must be something in the water in Canada which brings about a near universal fondness for communal activity, what with the plethora of collaborative records recently by her more musically inclined natives. Seemingly one of those most enthralled by this prospect is producer Antoine Bédard, the creative force behind Francophone electro-pop outfit Montag.
Bédard's parfumée landscapes of acoustic and electric sound heavily reference forerunners like Air as well as peers like M83, so it is appropriate that at least the latter appears in the form of Anthony Gonzales on the first track, I Have Sound. Combining blooming keyboards with acoustic guitars in an airy soufflé garnished with vocals from both Bédard and Gonzales, it is easily one of the finest tracks on the album. Mechanical Kids, featuring Amy Millan of Stars and Broken Social Scene fame, is another exemplary song. With its sugary lilts and the cooing backing vocals of Millan, it again demonstrates just why Bédard feels he can justify getting so many friends to help out.
Softness, I Forgot Your Name is a somewhat more mediocre example of the collaboration in action, yet the mere involvement of Owen Pallett lends the right degree of whimsy to rescue it. Further collaborations ensue, few reaching the same heights as these stand-out tracks, yet all solidly maintaining an atmosphere laden with French retro goodness. The final project, Going Places itself, is of the same mould - yet apparently features about 70 participants from over 15 different countries. It is perhaps a testament to Bédard's skills as a producer that even with involvement on this scale he keeps up the picture he has constructed over the previous eleven tracks, and in many ways enhances its clarity for that ever-important finale.
Overall Score: 8/10
