In The Limelight EP by Les Autres: A Shoegaze Gem That Still Shimmers
Alright, let’s talk about In The Limelight EP by Les Autres—a little slice of French shoegaze heaven that dropped back in 2011. If you’re into dreamy guitars, swirling soundscapes, and vocals that feel like they’re floating just outta reach, this one’s for you. Released via Ovvk Recordings, it’s got all the hallmarks of classic rock with a shoegaze twist, but don’t expect some carbon copy nostalgia trip. Les Autres bring their own vibe to the table.
First off, shoutout to the lineup: Morgan Daguenet on bass, David Ferrière smashing drums, Jimmy Arfosea ripping guitar duties, and Olivier Doreille pulling double duty with his hazy vocals. Oh yeah, they also produced and wrote everything themselves. Big props to them for keeping things tight and personal—it shows in how cohesive the EP feels.
Now, I’m not gonna dive deep into every track (ain’t nobody got time for that), but two songs really stuck with me. First up, there’s “Sister Love And Mister Moon.” It’s this hypnotic blend of shimmering guitars and a rhythm section that just grooves without trying too hard. The vocals sit way back in the mix, almost like an afterthought, but that’s what makes it work so well. You can’t quite make out every word, which forces you to focus on the mood instead. It’s kinda like staring at clouds—things shift around enough to keep your attention, but you’re never sure what exactly you’re looking at. By the end, you’re left wondering if maybe those lyrics were meant to be felt rather than heard.
Then there’s “Lucie,” and oh man, does this one hit different. From the opening notes, it feels intimate, like someone whispering secrets directly into your ear. There’s something raw about the way the instruments build up slowly before exploding into this wall of sound halfway through. Honestly? It gave me goosebumps. Not gonna lie, I had to replay it three times in a row when I first heard it. It’s one of those tracks where you think you’ve got it figured out, then BAM—it flips the script on you. Classic shoegaze move, but Les Autres nail it perfectly.
What’s wild is how these guys manage to balance beauty and chaos. Like, you could zone out listening to this while staring at raindrops sliding down a window, or crank it loud and lose yourself in its layers. Either way works.
Anyway, reflecting on In The Limelight EP, I gotta say—it’s more than just another shoegaze record from France. Sure, it ticks all the boxes genre-wise, but it’s got heart. These dudes clearly poured themselves into this project, and it pays off. Plus, isn’t it kinda cool that even now, over a decade later, we’re still discovering gems like this?
Oh, random thought before I go: Hélène K might not have any vocals, but damn if that instrumental doesn’t leave you wishing she’d show up anyway. Maybe next time, Les Autres. Keep ‘em coming.
