Maïlé Doremus-Cook Aka Memory of Jane was inspired by Greek mythology for the title of his debut unsinking The Cypress. The cypress trees stand for the underworld and are associated with grief. Doremus-Cook’s album does not look sad or apocalyptic. The songs have a melancholy note, but almost always have a bright sound color.
Recommendations of the editorial team
The British-French newcomer (every bet a big radiohead fan!) Is characterized by British colored bass music and, above all, jazz, the latter can be heard in “Loose Lines” and “Praying I don´t case”. His fragile voice fits the unpretentious arrangements, which sometimes also remember Dream and Ambient pop. The title song and the final balladesk work by putting the piano the tone.
Otherwise, more experimental textures dominate, Field Recordings apparently also exist. No, this song collection is certainly not a soundtrack for the underworld. But a subtle sadness has enrolled into many songs: Doremus-Cook, in early twenties, sings about feelings of alienation and disorientation, but also about daydreams and resilience. In any case, this lyrical ego has not yet found its place in the world, this organically-looking electro pop sounds quite stylish and profiled.
This review was first published in the MusikExpress 08/2025.