Billet Doux, the duo of real-life partners Kaycie Chase and Pierre Elgrishi, debuts their record Superbloom Is Here Again, and it’s a charming listen. One thing I instantly love about the record is the duets and the unabashed hook writing. The “ooh-ohh”s on “Two Scorpios” provide the first big earworm of the record. “Cautious” is another great track that ups the energy and uses those same “ooh”s to help drive the lyrics home. It’s lovely to listen to a collection of songs that are clearly written by two people who are very much in love. It’s perhaps fitting that Billet Doux takes its name from a 17th-century French phrase meaning “secret love letter,” because Superbloom Is Here Again often feels exactly that way.
“White Walls” is the first major mood shift on the record. It’s an emotionally vulnerable, sentimental, and touching piece of music as two lovers struggle to communicate their affections across a distance. The harmonies are well constructed, and the falsetto call-and-response serves as a tasteful production flourish.
“Chaos and Halos” is a track seemingly designed to reinspire motion after the downtempo “White Walls.” The building dynamics, tempo, and melody are given soft repose through borrowed harmony before a dramatic turnaround: “my home, my one and only one, what will become.” Just as a strong middle-of-the-record track should, it bridges the gap between Side A and Side B with a featured instrument—this time a synth that pulses arpeggios in conjunction with some lovely “ooh”s.
“Seahorse” and “Mermaid Hands” are both vulnerable and deeply personal tracks that take risks with oceanic imagery and self-reflection, pairing highly sentimental lyricism with intimate storytelling. “Seahorse” is particularly notable for featuring producer Olivia Merilahti of The Dø, whose presence helps reinforce the dreamlike atmosphere that permeates much of the record.
“Superbloom Is Here Again,” the title track, arrives at number nine. Named after the phenomenon of desert flowers erupting into bloom after heavy rains, it’s a gorgeous tune that features a catchy hook and a trotting rhythmic groove that could be interpreted as skipping through those very fields of wildflowers. Once again, a duet drives home this recurring “two lovers” theme that I’m completely falling for.
“Portraits” is a standout for me because of how rocky it is compared to the rest of the record. It still fits sonically within the band’s lush synth-rock palette, but the palm-muted guitars and uptempo rhythmic quality really get my foot tapping.
Omg, the little laugh at the beginning of “Little Wild” feels like a playful “oh hey, thanks for listening to our record” from Billet Doux. It’s such a fun way to break the fourth wall and invite the audience into the room. Expertly constructed harmonies, touching lyrics, and a stripped-back arrangement make for a perfect way to wrap up a debut record.
If you’re in search of some whimsy, heartfelt songwriting, and refreshing melodies, check out Superbloom Is Here Again by Billet Doux.
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