Based out of Montreal, Quebec, Population II brings an indelible Francofile influence to their art-rock sound. The trio’s approach to rock ‘n roll combines the best of American psychedelia with a touch of French New Wave, which is perfectly showcased in their new song “Ce n’est Rêve,” which we’re premiering today. The band’s new album À La Ô Terre is out on Castle Face records, Osees’ John Dwyer’s label, and that band’s wildly eclectic sound is a perfect touchstone – elements of garage rock, Kraut rock, alternative pop and punk rock are found in equal doses within this band’s repetoire.

The video opens with a member of the band’s face split into two screens, not quite aligning, giving off an unsettling image from the start. The opening of “Ce n’est Rêve” is defined by its sparse instrumentation and punctuated by a deep, tribal drum beat. The vocals are in French, plainspoken and delivered in an ominous tone. Eventually the mix begins to fill out, with blaring organ runs and snare drum fills. The song takes on a more active cadence around the midpoint of this seven-minute song. The synths go from ominous to scintallating, with the bass guitar burbling all the while in the background, a foretelling the dissonance that’s yet to come.

The band will be taking part in the M for Montreal festival live stream. This event is headlined by Mac Demarco but features appearances by many of the Canadian city’s most exciting performers. The band will play a free set as a part of the Le Montréal Magique Musique Show on November 18 with Flore Laurentienne, Maude Audet, Totalement Sublime and Laurence-Anne.

À La Ô Terre Track List

01. Introspection
02. Ce n’est Rêve
03. Les Vents
04. L’Offrande
05. La Nuit
06. Il eut un Silence dans le Ciel
07. Attraction
08. La Danse
09. À la Porte de Demain
10. Je Laisse le Soleil Briller