Normandie release Dark & Beautiful Secrets – review

Stockholm trio, Normandie have released their third full-length album, Dark & Beautiful Secrets.  Following their last album, White Flag (2018), this new record certainly feels like a departure from their previous work.  Dark & Beautiful Secrets is darker, more candid with raw lyrics from singer, Philip Strand.

Talking about Normandie’s new album, Strand says, “This is a really dark album to me,” the frontman admits.  "There’s something about writing a new album that gives a freedom to be true to yourself in both sound and lyrics. We decided to be as intimate and personal as possible, sharing true stories from our past for the first time. We called it Dark & Beautiful Secrets. Everyone has secrets, each and every one of us has something buried deep down inside that we desperately keep hidden away from the judging eyes of the world. A secret that comes to light can be a beautiful relief. Proof that you have gone through the healing process and you’re ready to move on."

Strand has dug deep for this album and it shows.  He delves into the different corners of his life - “Holy Water”, “Bury Me Alive” and “Renegade” referencing leaving religion and “Hostage” addressing the struggle of panic attacks right through to the difficult relationship with the internet in “Atmosphere”.   In “Mission Control”, Strand explores who he was as a child and how his life values changed once he hit adulthood.   This song jumps out amongst the rest of the track list, a great rock song that you can totally imagine dancing to at a gig or your local rock night.

The pace varies throughout Dark & Beautiful Secrets, but it’s welcomed and refreshing.  If you listen to the album in track list order, the transition from the energetic “Bury Me Alive” to the ballad, “Atmosphere” works really well.

The lyrics in “Atmosphere” are relatable, the relationship with the internet through this global pandemic has been a difficult one.  Wanting to stay in touch with what’s going on in the world but also feeling totally overwhelmed.  Strand has written poignant lyrics that hit you right in the heart.  It resonates and it works.  “In the middle of the day, I see you everywhere, I let my mind escape, in your atmosphere.”

The heavy vocals in the chorus in “Holy Water” feels reminiscent of Bring Me The Horizon, complemented by softer vocals throughout the rest of the track.  There’s a Hands Like Houses vibe running through the album too and this definitely stands out in “Mission Control”, especially with Strand’s powerful vocals.

Although it can be difficult to reveal your inner self via music, it certainly paid off for Normandie, as Strand has created an album that you will never tire of.  The lyrics in Dark & Beautiful Secrets are just as important as the instruments.  The relatable and emotional lyrics coupled with the high energy and infectious melodies, makes for a strong record. We also can’t forget the side serving of synths and other electronic aspects, which also makes you want to dance.  Catch us having a self-reflection and dancing moment whilst we listen to this album!

Normandie are set to go on a EU/UK tour in autumn 2021 with special guests Thousands Below & Captives.

Check out their video for "Atmosphere" below:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehexQKbsPVs&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

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