In today’s ever-evolving musical landscape, few projects and musical acts manage to both break the mold and blend seemingly disparate genres seamlessly and in a way that maintains a consistent sound. Enter Chalumeau — the brainchild of Katherine Bergeron and Butch Rovan, two professors at Brown University who have spent years cultivating a deep understanding of music. Together, they are creating songs that feel both experimental and accessible, challenging listeners’ expectations with every track. Chalumeau thrives on contrast; a blend of sophistication and rawness. Their music blurs the lines between jazz, rock, indie, and electronic music, creating a unique listening experience. Initially a collaborative album featuring Bergeron’s songwriting and Rovan’s electronic expertise, the project has evolved into a full exploration of sound. Some of their recent singles like “Hide” and “No Common Ground” offer a taste of their upcoming fulllength Blue, due this summer.
Released just before last year’s contentious presidential election, “No Common Ground” is the first single from Blue. The track opens with an infectious sax riff, setting the tone for a dreamy soundscape. Pensive piano, haunting background vocals, and spaced-out guitars create an ethereal quality, while the lyrics, steeped in social commentary, capture a mood of division and frustration: “Everybody’s angry, everyone’s stressed/ It’s an Olympics of the oppressed.” Bergeron’s voice is manipulated with electronic effects, blending the human and synthetic in a way that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. Their second single, “Lies,” takes a bold step into big-band territory. Channeling the grandeur of 1930s and ‘40s jazz, it features a lush arrangement of brass and woodwind. The cinematic feel is enhanced by Bergeron’s commanding vocals and a prominent clarinet. I particularly love how the clarinet plays a starring role, subtly conveying a sense of mystery and intrigue, almost as though it knows your secrets before you do. It’s a track that demonstrates the duo’s range, seamlessly blending the past with the present in a way that feels organic and effortless.
“La Verité” takes Chalumeau into a different sonic space entirely, one that blends the elegance of bossa nova with a sense of deep emotional vulnerability. In this track, Bergeron’s French lyrics add a layer of intimacy and longing, while the piano’s serpentine lines provide a sense of cyclical continuity, like a snake eating its tail. The track’s relaxed, fluid vibe is a stark contrast to the tension of some of the duo’s other singles, yet it maintains the same attention to detail in its production. The song feels timeless, inviting listeners to surrender to its hypnotic groove. The lyrics themselves speak to personal revelation and the complexities of unrequited love: “Je ne peux ni dire mes sentiments, ni trouver toutes les rimes justes” (“I can’t say all my feelings, nor find all the right rhymes”). In the end, the singer decides to tell the truth, and the truth is…. “eff you.” It’s a beautifully understated track, offering a glimpse of Chalumeau’s ability to navigate different musical styles with ease. This kind of versatility is what makes their sound so compelling—it’s not bound by any one tradition or genre. “Hide” is one of my favorite recent singles from the band, and it once again merges genres in unexpected ways, starting with a raw, grunge-inspired guitar riff. The track quickly evolves, introducing the jazz element of tenor saxophone, which adds a sense of coolness to the gritty rock backbone. The combination of aggressive guitars, punchy drums, and jazz-infused sax creates a cinematic energy, like a chase scene from an ‘80s action film. Bergeron’s powerful vocals, effortlessly cutting through the instrumental rampart of sound, add emotional depth to the track.
While not extensively covered here, Chalumeau’s “Candombe” is definitely worth checking out. This single introduces a Latin flair into their musical palette, with infectious rhythms and vibrant percussion that transport listeners into a different cultural world. The track blends energetic Latin grooves with Chalumeau’s signature hybrid style, proving once again that the duo is unafraid to experiment with new sounds and influences. Blue will feature 10 tracks that continue Chalumeau’s musical evolution. With songs like “Hide,” “No Common Ground,” and others, Blue promises to be quite the sonic journey, tackling everything from social commentary to personal reflection. The duo’s willingness to push genre boundaries, while maintaining a high level of musicality and finesse, makes them a compelling listen for fans of experimental music.
The chemistry between Bergeron, with her focus on vocals, and Rovan, with his expertise in electronic arrangement, is at the heart of Chalumeau’s sound. Their collaboration feels organic, driven by a shared vision to create something both groundbreaking and deeply personal. Make sure to check out their latest single, “Never Give Up,” and don’t miss Chalumeau’s Blue release party is scheduled for The Met in Pawtucket on August 7.. With the album releasing as summer heats up, Chalumeau seems poised to make an even bigger impact, and we’re definitely excited to see what’s next. •