Fran?ois Marry, a multi-talented songwriter, musician and graphic artist, hailing from the small French city of Saintes, but based in Bristol since 2003. With his band Fràn?ois & The Atlas Mountains, the 26-year-old musician has spent the past seven years touring across Europe with the likes of Electrelane or Camera Obscura. Matching French lyrics to African rhythms, the band’s distinctive songwriting is whimsically surreal with a real joyous side. The band’s fourth album E Volo Love is out in France since October 3 and will be released in the rest of the world on January 23.The giddiness of “Muddy Heart” combines the melodies of Coldplay, Oasis, and The Devlins into a swirling pop sound with a folk-rock base. The laid-back “Edge Of Town” contains a nostalgic presence with jangly sounds and pensive vocals. The upbeat “City Kiss” is a refreshing tune with a catchy chorus and guitar. The accordion raises its head on the opening of “Azrou Tune.” The slow ballad features Francois’s tender vocals. The grungy “Buried Treasures” echoes back to the Texas band–Toadies. The quieter “Cherchant Des Ponts” is a classic French song with female vocals, strings, and light percussion in the vein of Francois Hardy, Patricia Kaas, or Carla Bruni. Overall, Francois & The Atlas Mountains creates beautiful music with French, African, and other elements that are great to listen to for any occasion.