Just short of two years removed since releasing their debut album, Bristol art-rock outfit Sans Froid have returned with their follow-up. ‘Back into the Womb’ sees the quartet expand their experimental palette of sounds. Across its 11 tracks, they utilise elements of soul, jazz, folk, progressive rock, and math rock. It results in a kaleidoscope of sounds and textures, drawing you with each listen.
Led by the soulful voice of keyboard/synth player Aisling Trafford, moments such as ‘Pros and Constants,’ ‘Still Thinking,’ and ‘Of The Mother‘ highlight Sans Froid‘s versatility. Elsewhere, ‘Sorbet’ sinks into laid-back jazz with an undertone of trepidation. In contrast, ‘Bags Packed’ colourfully gallops with a hint of harmonious ’60s psychedelia. Late standout, ‘The Exploiter of Art,’ allows bassist Benjamin Harris to take the melodic lead. Ultimately, ‘Back into the Womb’s strength lies in Sans Froid‘s ability to be equally abstract and accessible. Throughout, Trafford’s acrobatic voice provides a thought-provoking narrative that focuses on patriarchal existence and division.
With such an array of styles in their sound, it made perfect sense to ask Trafford, Harris, guitarist Charles Barnes, and drummer Toby Green about the artists, albums, and songs that have influenced Sans Froid. From modern punk greats to elderly psych-folk to experimental indie-rock and DIY synth-pop, their influences are certainly wide-ranging.
Linda Perhacs – Beautiful Play
Aisling Trafford (vocals/keyboard/synth): I remember discovering this song and listening to it in headphones on repeat for about two straight hours, just lying on my bed in the dark and feeling overwhelming bliss. With every listen, another layer popped out, her voice felt like an audible soul caramel.
Linda was 72 years old when she released this album, which made me feel so completely in awe of her journey and consistent artistry over the years. What a WOMAN!
Green Day – Jesus of Suburbia
Charlite: Big tune this one, often sung on the drive home from shows. Green Day are great, and they make me want to buy a pinstriped suit. My reasons for liking this are my own, and I don’t care to share them, but I can tell you I am and was influenced by this and other things. I think perhaps I’m just not into sharing my thoughts on the internet, but I think thats okay. Anyway, Green Day, good band.
Xenia Rubinos – Cherry Tree
Ben: I think this was a fairly deeply buried subconscious influence, but what the rhythm section is doing on a lot of these songs probably influenced my mindset in approaching the songs on this album.
I love the combination of great pop vocals and melodies with this very inventive, super-groovy, rhythmic framework underpinning everything. It adds power to the joy already present and reinforces the sense of playfulness. It also gives you some real stank-faced gurn-fest moments whilst everything is being hooky as hell.
Igorrr – Spirituality and Distortion
Toby: I just love the chaos and humour on this album. Juxtaposing with the more serious, darker songs. It scratches an itch that I didn’t need scratching, ya know?
I was heavily influenced by the passion you hear in the singers, especially Laure Le Prunenec. She keeps the fire lit. I was definitely inspired by the drumming on this album, too.
Jan Terri – Losing You
Group choice: Every single tour or show or distance travelled together always starts with this tune. Recording our 2nd album was no different, Jan lives in all of our hearts and gives us the strength to keep chugging away. Long live Jan.
‘Back into the Womb’ by Sans Froid is out now on Church Road Records.
Find Sans Froid on: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp
