Review: Voodoo Angel – Midnight Rouge
Lions Pride Music (November 29th, 2024)
Reviewer: Chris O’Connor
Voodoo Angel’s second album, ‘Midnight Rouge’, is nothing short of brilliant—an exhilarating blend of passion, innovation, and sheer artistry. With this release, the French melodic hard rock collective, spearheaded by the multi-talented Jean-Luc Rumèbe, has truly ascended to new creative heights, delivering a record that is both thrillingly eclectic and deeply cohesive.
Rumèbe, the band’s visionary architect, wears multiple hats with staggering finesse—serving as composer, arranger, producer, and even the designer of the album’s stunning artwork. The project, meticulously crafted at JLR Studios Productions, reflects an uncompromising commitment to excellence and artistic authenticity.
From the moment the opening notes hit, ‘Midnight Rouge’ establishes itself as a true marvel. Drawing from an impressive spectrum of influences—ranging from the audacious grooves of Freak Kitchen, and the polished melodies of Winger, to the industrial grit of T-Ride and the progressive nuance of Porcupine Tree—the album is a daring exploration of sound. Voodoo Angel boldly blends melodic rock, funk-infused rhythms, and industrial intensity, creating an electrifying experience that demands to be heard.
The band line-up is a powerhouse of talent. Rumèbe’s versatility shines as he masterfully handles vocals, guitars, and keyboards, while Christophe Mouynet’s incendiary lead guitar work adds layers of complexity and flair. Anchored by Jim Red’s rock-solid basslines and Thomas Feuga’s dynamic drumming, the group’s chemistry is palpable in every track.
Each song on ‘Midnight Rouge’ is a revelation. The soaring, anthemic hooks of ‘We’re Still Alive’ embody the spirit of melodic rock at its finest, delivering an instant classic. Meanwhile, ‘When Life Passes You By’ dives into irresistible funk-rock territory with grooves that refuse to let go. The hauntingly beautiful ballad ‘More’ showcases the band’s emotional depth, contrasting with the swaggering, arena-ready energy of ‘Sin City’, which channels the rebellious charisma of Billy Idol and Alice Cooper. ‘Daddy’s Back To The Madam’ is a truly glorious romp, and is perhaps my pick of this fabulous album.
Not content to stay within the confines of conventional hard rock, tracks like ‘It’s Gonna Hurt’ venture into industrial metal realms, seamlessly merging razor-sharp aggression with polished production. This fearless experimentation is a hallmark of ‘Midnight Rouge’—a record that thrives on its willingness to push boundaries and defy expectations.
What truly sets ‘Midnight Rouge’ apart, however, is its impeccable production quality. Every note, every layer, every nuance is meticulously balanced, a testament to Rumèbe’s perfectionism in the recording, mixing, and mastering process. The result is an album that feels both expansive and intimate, with each track standing as a distinct chapter in a larger, immersive narrative.
Voodoo Angel’s refusal to be pigeonholed is perhaps the album’s greatest strength. ‘Midnight Rouge’ is a veritable kaleidoscope of moods and styles, united by the band’s unwavering commitment to their craft. Whether you’re a fan of hard-hitting rock, infectious funk, or atmospheric balladry, this album offers something for everyone—while never losing sight of its melodic hard rock roots.
With ‘Midnight Rouge’, Voodoo Angel has delivered not just an album, but an experience. It’s a daring, vibrant, and multifaceted triumph that cements their place as masters of the genre. For rock enthusiasts hungry for something fresh, bold, and irresistibly engaging, ‘Midnight Rouge’ is an absolute must-listen – file under ‘Utterly Essential’!
Tracklist:
- We’re Still Alive
- When Life Passes You By
- Broken
- It’s Gonna Hurt
- Daddy’s Back To The madam
- I Won’t Stand In Line
- More
- Sin City
- Come & Get It
- So Pretty
Line-up:
Jean-Luc Rumèbe : Lead Vocals, Keytar, Piano, Guitars & Keys
Jim Red : Bass guitar & Backing vocals
Christophe Mouynet : Lead Guitars & Backing vocals
Thomas Feuga : Drums & Backing vocals
Additional Backing Vocals on „So Pretty“ by Ricky Kearns
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