Pop/Review Le Concorde - Saint James
Le Concorde is the art-pop brainchild of LA-based songwriter Stephen Becker. Originally born of UK influences, Le Concorde reintroduced the high style of 80s "sophistpop" to the world of indie-pop music in the mid-00s, pulling in personnel from Scritti Politti and The Psychedelic Furs for a series of releases on iconic indie-pop labels March Records/What Are Records and Le Grand Magistery.
The sparkling gem of contemporary sophistipop, “Saint James,” Le Concorde (the stage name of Los Angeles-based songwriter Stephen Becker), pays homage to the genre's heyday while exploring new emotional horizons. Following the highly acclaimed “Corpus Christi,” “Saint James” is the second single from the upcoming album “Second Mansions.” It demonstrates Becker's assured creative style and strong taste for sophisticated pop workmanship.
“Saint James” is musically flawless and was produced by the renowned studio wizard Calum Malcolm, who is well known for influencing the sounds of Prefab Sprout and The Blue Nile. It feels entirely modern yet evokes the crystalline sorrow of Becker's influences with its sumptuous soundscapes, shimmering synth lines, and personal vocal delivery. From complex guitar flourishes to atmospheric pads, every sound has space to breathe thanks to the production's richness without ever being overdone.
The song's lyrics are rife with reflection and metamorphosis. The song, which was inspired by Becker's 2019 journey to Santiago de Compostela, examines spiritual longing and introspection while encapsulating a silent epiphany amid the majesty of historic streets and hallowed history. “Saint James” is more than just a lovely tune because of its unique fusion of artistic refinement and emotional depth.
The song is enhanced by the talents of collaborators from the pop and indie genres, yet it is still distinctly Becker's idea—a single voice fusing clarity, catharsis, and longing into above three and a half minutes of dazzling sound. “Saint James” is a powerful move toward the future of sophistipop while also paying tribute to its origins.