Album Review: After Hours by The Missing Season
Released in 2014, After Hours by The Missing Season is a refreshing dive into the indie rock scene, blending rock and pop with a distinctly French twist. Backed by My Little Cab Records and Les Disques Normal, this album feels like a late-night hangout with friends—introspective yet lively, raw but polished enough to keep you hooked.
The record kicks off strong with "Ocean Song," a track that’s hard to shake off. It opens with a dreamy guitar riff that sets the mood before the drums kick in, giving it an almost hypnotic rhythm. What makes it stick? The lyrics feel universal yet deeply personal, like staring at the horizon while your mind races. You can almost picture the band jamming this out in a dimly lit studio, vibing off each other's energy. Marin Perot’s electric guitar work here is understated but effective—it doesn’t scream for attention; it just pulls you in quietly.
Another standout is "Can’t You Realize?" This one grabs you by the collar from the first chord. Nicolas Gautier’s composition shines through as the song builds momentum, layering guitars over Pierre Marolleau’s tight drumming. There’s something about the way the vocals sit slightly behind the instruments—it creates this cool tension, like they’re holding back just enough to make you lean in closer. If I had to pick one track that encapsulates the album’s vibe, this would be it.
Credit where it’s due: mastering by Dominic Melville gives the album a crisp finish, while Marin Perot’s mixing keeps everything balanced without losing the grit. And let’s not skip over the artwork—Constance Legeay, Corentin Canesson, and Marin Perot nailed the aesthetic. It’s minimal but moody, perfectly matching the tone of the music.
What stands out most about After Hours isn’t just its sound—it’s how effortless it feels. These aren’t songs trying too hard to impress; they’re just honest tunes crafted by people who clearly love what they do. Sure, some tracks blend together after multiple listens ("Taxi Silence" and "Day Is Out" come to mind), but overall, it’s a solid listen.
Here’s the unexpected part: listening to After Hours feels like finding an old Polaroid in your pocket years later. It’s nostalgic, even if you didn’t live through its creation. Maybe that’s why it still resonates nearly a decade later. Or maybe it’s just proof that good music doesn’t need flashy gimmicks—it just needs heart.
Final verdict? Worth adding to your playlist, especially if you’re into indie rock with a European flair. Just don’t blame me when you catch yourself humming “Can’t You Realize?” on repeat.
Did you know? The album *After Hours* by The Missing Season is a hidden gem from France, blending indie rock with pop vibes. Released in 2014, it features tracks like "Ocean Song" and "Stay," which feel both nostalgic and fresh. What’s cool is how hands-on the band was—Marin Perot not only played electric guitar but also mixed the album himself. And get this: the artwork was a team effort, with Constance Legeay and others pitching in to create its unique aesthetic. It’s the kind of record that makes you want to hit repeat.
J'ai pas très bien compris le texte de la chanson, vous pouvez répéter ?? Y'a même du Poncherello dedans :P Allez, dans la sélection So French quand même ! Bande d'obsédés :)
