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A dishevelled – yet handsome – Frenchman, with dark curls, facial hair and a voice that sings in a smooth sentimental style fronts Scenario Rock. His name is Mehdi Pinson. A singer, songwriter and producer; he also leads a collective of musicians who form the band. Since their debut record, Endless Season in 2004, Pinson has refined his songwriting skills, using emotional inspiration to wax lyrical. The result is Scenario Rock’s second full-length record, Histrionics. Appropriately titled, the album conveys Pinson’s “exaggerated” emotion – in the style of classic pop meets soft rock. Think tawdry 70s and 80s soft rock ballads, with a Frenchified flavour.
In the last year Scenario Rock have played and collaborated with big names in the electronic scene, with Pinson’s vocals appearing on Justice’s club hit DVNO, in addition to releasing their own smash Skitzo Dancer. Strangely enough, the sound of Scenario Rock’s Histrionics is somewhat different the French-infused electro that they have become renowned for. Instead, the album is presented as a two disc release: the first, a collection of emotional and epic tunes; the second, a bonus tracks disc that features the electro hits and remixes.
The album opener, Both Gotta Move On, would have to be my favourite. It features a crisp, jazz-inspired piano sound, reminiscent of something Ben Folds would release. There is a SebastiAn remix of this included on the bonus disc, and it’s also one to look out for. Glances & Smiles is another great tune, with its summer-lovin’ feel resembling the nautical themed cover art. The use of vocal shout outs, guitars and drums work really well on this track; proving Pinson’s ability to write a catchy pop-rock song. Another highlight is War Wound, which is probably the closest sound to Skitzo Dancer on the record. It’s funky, danceable and makes solid use of percussion to give it some edge.
Unfortunately, though, not all of Histrionics is as emotionally gratifying. The title track could be described as one of those epic, strung-out, orchestral tear jerker types; exceeding 10 minutes in length. Perhaps it’s a bit too much, especially when it’s track four on the record. Could this one have been saved for the end? Following it is an even more bizarre track, The Gypsy Walk, with its xylophone and soft-synth sound that reeks of tacky soft rock. It sounds like the music you hear when you’re on hold waiting for a telephone operator. It’s a shame that Pinson didn’t give this one a cool French flavour…
On a whole, the only real downfall of Histrionics is the embellished emotions of the album. It’s admirable that Pinson has focused on writing music with such passion and feeling; but at times this approach becomes repetitious and almost overwhelming. It could also be assumed that those who buy this record do so for the electronic work that Scenario Rock have produced (the bonus disc). Don’t be disappointed though; as the album fits its definition: Histrionics being “behaviour done for show or to get a reaction from somebody”. So whether it’s the cool French electro you love or the smooth sound of Pinson’s voice that draws you in, there’s something worthwhile listening to. Try it, and see what reaction you get!
