Open Source is WORLD BRAIN’s first solo release since 2019, and it stretches pop into stranger, more playful shapes. Lucas Chantre composed and produced it across Berlin, Paris and Brussels, building songs from synths, digital tones and tightly arranged percussion. “Fromage collatéral” moves with a jazz-minded marching feel, while “cAPTCHA” turns marimba-like electronic sounds, vocalese and Molly Lewis’s whistling into a bright little burst of computer-age exotica. It’s odd without being difficult, though some of the smaller details take a moment to register.
The organic side comes through in the flute from Martha Rose, the drums and percussion recorded by Émile Sornin, and Noémie Chantre’s lead vocals on “Minute papillon” and “Ville fleurie.” Those two songs bring French into the centre of the project, softening the digital edges without making the arrangements feel tidy. JJ Weihl, Molly Lewis and Noémie add extra voices around the edges, giving the tracks a loose communal quality. Fans of art pop, synth pop and experimental indie pop should find plenty here, especially if they like records that can move from a catchy vocal line to a strange texture without warning. The paid release is also available on vinyl LP.
