Valerie Leulliot

Valerie Leulliot was the vocalist for Autour de Lucie, the French band who loved the chiming indie guitar pop of English stalwarts such as the Smiths, New Order and the Sundays. On her first solo album, Leulliot keeps her melancholy aura but leaves most of Autour de Lucie's Anglo-Saxon signposts behind for a breathy Gallic sound. Standout tracks include "L'eau Du Gange," the chiming "Les Falaises," "Rien De Grave," "Mon Homme Blesse" and the haunting title track. While this is a solid solo debut, Leuillot could use her old band's melodic and stylistic diversity.