Prolific singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Charles D’Ardenne is releasing his latest album under the moniker Comprador this Friday (May 31). The 12-track Important is likely D’Ardenne’s last album as a Cincinnati-based musician. In early June, D’Ardenne says he’s moving to Philadelphia, where he has family. But, he adds, “If the stars align hopefully I can tour back through here eventually.”
The album picks up on some of the AltRock-centric diversity so brilliantly displayed on the expansive 2018 Comprador album Downstream, though with slightly more of a focused and cohesive vision. D’Ardenne again plays the majority of the music on the album, joined by a few guest musicians, including saxophonist Gabriel Birnbaum and singer/cellist Kate Wakefield.
The album kicks off with a little misdirection in the form of the throbbing, electronics-fueled Vaporwave track “Bike Rack On.”
But the rest of the album is filled with superb guitar-driven gems than lean towards the trippy, ethereal side of Indie Rock, including fantastic tracks like “Looks Doubtful” and “Rocket League.” Other highlights include the Post Punk pummel of “Make It So” and the atmospheric Gothic Folk of album closer “Voice Coil Unwound.”
In honor of Important’s release (and D’Ardenne’s imminent departure), Comprador will perform Friday at Chameleon (4114 Hamilton Ave., Northside, chameleonpizza.com). Bi and Madqueen are also slated to appear at the 9 p.m. show.
For more on Comprador and Important, visit comprador.bandcamp.com.