Fievel Is Glauque aren’t afraid to be spontaneous. The experimental jazz pop duo wrote and recorded their newest single, “I’m Scanning Things I Can’t See,” on a Tascam cassette machine in one day and meant to re-record it; instead, they just released the demo in its raw form. In line with this fluid creative process, singer Ma Clément nonchalantly follows flashes of inspiration: “First there was a lighted cigarette/The cherry glowed and then was gone/Into a space beyond/I’ve seen so many things just vanish.” The calming, cerebral track is at first reminiscent of 1960s French yé-yé pop; Clément’s understated vocals bob atop choppy piano chords until Zach Phillips’ frenzied jazz stylings jerk her awake. Then she settles back to life’s plodding rhythm. It isn’t a drastic departure for the duo, but their breezy, uncalculated approach creates undeniable charm.
![Fievel Is Glauque single artwork](https://cdn.statically.io/img/media.pitchfork.com/photos/64da57db8c7859bd272cc744/1:1/w_450%2Cc_limit/Fievel-Is-Glauque.jpg)
Genre:
Experimental / Jazz
Label:
Fat Possum
Reviewed:
September 1, 2023
Written and recorded in one day, the experimental jazz-pop duo’s new single celebrates a relaxed, fluid creativity.