Let’s head to the south of France to discover Potion by Djé Balèti, a surprising new album full of magic blends. Here’s the review.
POTION – DJÉ BALÈTI
Political and spiritual rock wrapped in a psychedelic world package—this offering from the south of France caught me off guard. Djé Balèti sings in French and Nissart, drawing from the Occitan repertoire, and above all, champions love with a powerful voice. Rebellious and poetic, Djé Balèti has named this album Potion, like a remedy for our collective hurt. And I must say, it works quite well. They start with Amiat. Very catchy, it sets the tone—world music and psychedelia with strong rock foundations through some clear riffs. I’m instantly drawn to this blend. Le Miracle searches for hope, the return of nature, and the rejection of the excess into which humanity has plunged. Suite du miracle reaches the peak of this hope, vibrating and invoking a superb pagan spirit.
Their harmonious blend continues with La Sèga. The political themes return in L’aumône, and later in the catchy and spot-on Français est un drôle d’animal, as well as Gargantua, infused with blues. Djé Balèti also invites Maïa Barouh on the spellbinding Jongala. But regardless of the theme, the pagan spirit who showed up earlier is never far off. It makes an appearance in the more psychedelic Ancêtre, though I connect with it less here. Potion resonates with me more, especially with its progression of vibrant riffs.
The track that convinces me, again, that this world-rock-psychedelic mix is especially effective in their hands is Vé i’a longtemps. With its catchy melody and textures, it’s one of my favourite! Grana maire brings out a strong dose of anxiety in its atmosphere before Lo jorn closes the album with a gentle, reassuring touch, despite its melancholy and simplicity. Djé Balèti truly surprised me with Potion. It’s an album that asserts itself not as a one-size-fits-all remedy for our woes, but as awakened poetry that acknowledges both the suffering and the beauty of the world.
