Population II expands their psychedelic vision on Maintenant Jamais
Montreal-based trio Population II returns with Maintenant Jamais, their third full-length album, out March 28 via Bonsound. With their signature blend of heavy swirling psychedelic rock, jazz-infused rhythms, and unrestrained improvisation, the band continues to carve out their own path, creating a sound both timeless and untamed.
Produced by: Dominic Vanchesteing
Formed by singer/drummer Pierre-Luc Gratton, guitarist/keyboardist Tristan Lacombe, and bassist Sébastien Provençal, Population II has long embraced an eclectic approach, drawing from 60s Detroit garage rock, 70s German experimental music, and the boundary-pushing ethos of Miles Davis. Their latest release builds on this foundation while introducing a sharper sense of songcraft honed through years of relentless experimentation and live performances. Following their 2020 debut À la Ô Terre and 2023’s Électrons libres du Québec, the band maintained a prolific output, dropping the Serpent Échelle EP and a split single with punk act Mulch, setting the stage for Maintenant Jamais.
The album’s fourteen tracks encapsulate the band’s fearless exploration of sound, merging hazy atmospherics with cathartic bursts of energy. Tracks like ‘Macavélique Rock’ and ‘Poudreuse Blues’ exhibit their rawness, while ‘Mariano (Jamais je ne t’oublierai)’ and ‘Le thé est prêt’ showcase a more refined, introspective side. As always, Gratton’s distinctive vocals add an offbeat, nostalgic quality to their music, reinforcing the band’s unique sonic identity.
Through it all, Population II remains steadfast in their artistic independence. Their deep-rooted chemistry and disregard for fleeting trends have allowed them to craft a body of work that feels both enigmatic and enduring. With Maintenant Jamais, they solidify their place as one of the most intriguing forces in modern psychedelic rock.
Standout Songs: ‘Maintenant et Jamais,’ ‘Prévisions,’ ‘Haut-fond,’ ‘Le thé est prêt,’ and ‘La Cache.’
Release Date: March 28
8.0
We’ve covered Population II previously: ‘Mariano (Jamais je ne t’oublierai)‘, and ‘Le thé est prêt.’
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