True to usual form, Christine and the Queens kept fans on their toes this week with the surprise release of her new EP, La vita nuova. It is a treasure trove of self-reflective electropop that does not miss a beat in drowning itself in lashings of ambient yearning. This EP establishes itself as some of the strongest music in her discography and, as the title suggests, appears to harken in a new era of music for the Nantes born performer. 

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When time is taken to understand and dissect these lyrics, the vulnerability on display leaves a lump in the throat

The EP opens with the previously-released ‘People, I’ve been sad.’ Its stripped-back, haunting melodies create a candour atmosphere for the listener and takes them on a heart-wrenching lyrical journey. We see Christine’s internal trials and tribulations described in both French and English, with imagery in the hook evoking the intense pain that she has experienced since her adolescence. When time is taken to understand and dissect these lyrics, the vulnerability on display leaves a lump in the throat; this tone does not dissipate throughout the entirety of the record. It is heavy, it is emotionally charged, and its power pervades in the context of the record to an excruciating extent.

It is in ‘Je disparais dans tes bras’ (translated into ‘I disappear in your arms,’ which features in English as a bonus track) that Christine’s frustrations appear to be channelled into addressing a former lover. This track acts as a lyrical liberation from the toxicity of her last relationship and lays bare to her listeners how their behaviour made her feel invisible and powerless. It features one of the strongest beats on the EP, but still manages to maintain the calmness of its surrounding tracks – this is a sophisticated and well thought out sequence that blends perfectly into the EP, despite its blatantly more aggressive tone. ‘Nada’ seems to develop on this premise, as layers of lyrical melody fight with a trap-esque beat and establish a disjointed feel for the lyrically conflicting message of the song. It is minimal, but profoundly impactful in its utilisation. 

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Vocally, this may be the strongest release that Christine has produced

Christine’s ability to establish a serene space for her longing is showcased for the world to see in ‘Mountains (we met)’ and the titular track, ‘La vita nuova.’ The former is perhaps the most stunning of the EP; its harmonies are astoundingly ethereal and allow it to shine as the most polished in this collection of heartbreak anthems. Listeners are soothed by its melodic prowess and left, once again, heavy-hearted by her timeless ability to evoke deeply rooted emotion in the simplest format. Vocally, this may be the strongest release that Christine has produced since the start of her career.

While it is not surprising that this is an incredibly strong follow up to the release of Chris, this shift in direction has provided Christine and the Queens with her most powerful release yet. But do not be mistaken; while sombre in tone, these bilingual bops provide an easy listening experience for those who need a moment to themselves. Have tissues at the ready, lads, because this EP is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.

La vita nuova is available now via Because Music

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