When Fabien Martin offered Nicolas Contant, aka Casagrande, an English version of his album Villes Sauvages, he hesitated. As a defender of the French language, the idea initially seemed preposterous. But his influences – from the Beatles to Portishead – and the architecture of his songs argued in favor of the adventure. The translation was entrusted to his bassist Jeff Hallam (Dominique A, Barbara Pravi...), a native of Oregon, who reinvented the lyrics with accuracy and musicality. The tracks were rearranged, enriched with Wurlitzer, vintage Italian synths, new bass lines, drums, and a completely rethought mix. The album features a folk cover of Depeche Mode, a touching version of Sea Song (Robert Wyatt), and a duet with Nadine Khouri on Glove On Your Skin. Wild Cities, more than just an adaptation of Villes Sauvages, is a new album in its own right: rooted in Touraine, but looking towards the horizon.
