2020

Released in early 2020, this self-titled-year album represents a mature distillation of La Rue Kétanou's signature 'nouvelle scène' sound. After over two decades together, the trio (augmented here by Pierre Luquet) maintains their reputation for theatrical, socially conscious acoustic music. The record leans heavily into the 'chanson réaliste' tradition while incorporating the rhythmic elasticity of reggae and the urgency of folk-punk. Recorded with a focus on live-feeling takes, the production emphasizes the physical interplay between the accordion and acoustic guitars. Lyrically, the album oscillates between playful social satire and poignant reflections on migration and aging. It was received by fans as a return to form, capturing the communal spirit of their legendary live performances within a studio setting, and remains a definitive document of modern French bohemian folk.