Alambic (France)

Alambic is a six-piece band from Marseille known for blending French chanson with Latin and Caribbean influences. The group has kept the same lineup since its formation, with friends and brothers performing together in venues ranging from small cafés to large concert halls. Lead singer Miguel Charlotiaux writes lyrics that combine humor, irony, and social observation, often focusing on everyday situations and struggles. After releasing their debut album Premier des derniers in 2019, the band returned with Heures Creuses, a collection that draws on Cabo Verdean rhythms, Cuban salsa and festive melodies, while portraying themes of disillusionment, small-town life and human connection.

Featured Songs:

“LADA” is from Alambic’s second album, Heures creuses, released in 2024. The song paints a nostalgic and humorous picture of an unpredictable road trip in an old Lada, a car popular in Soviet countries in the 1970s and 80s. The car symbolizes life’s detours, false starts, and unexpected breakdowns, while embracing the journey with resilience and companionship. “I’ll take you there / A trip in a Lada / We’ll break down / Life is like that.”

“Vacances gâchées” (Ruined Vacation), featured on Putumayo's World Beach Party, is a tongue-in-cheek account of a summer holiday gone off course. Set to a light, danceable groove, the song narrates a series of relatable setbacks: “They brought nothing back but sunburns / Didn’t even fill half the camera’s memory.” From broken air conditioning to lost patience and long traffic jams, the lyrics reflect the disappointment that sometimes follows high expectations. Despite the mishaps, the song ends on a reflective note—finding meaning and humor in the imperfect moments that vacations often bring.

Featured on Putumayo Discovery's French Groove, their song “Bossa” is a humorous, ironic take on coming to terms with reality, wrapped in upbeat rhythms and catchy refrains. The title references the Brazilian genre but quickly pivots: “Life isn’t like a bossa beat / That’s not life, no, that’s not it / Life is metal, life is ska, for real.” The lyrics describe frustrations with bureaucracy, relationships and the pressures of modern life, ultimately offering a wry observation: “You thought it was easy, but you’ll come back.” Behind the playful groove lies a deeper social critique.

Artist Website

Featured On:

Click images to learn more