On her fourth studio album Unclouded, French musician Melody Prochet, known as Melody’s Echo Chamber, returns to her signature blend of retro-tinged psychedelic pop. Her dreamy, otherworldly vocals float above shimmering melodies and kaleidoscopic textures, but this time around, Prochet expands her sonic palette in subtle yet striking ways.
The album’s title feels well chosen as many of the tracks radiate warmth and light, as if basking in golden afternoon sun. Prochet’s sugar-spun vocals enhance the album’s buoyant feel, though her lyrics often hint at something more melancholic beneath the surface.
One of the album’s standout moments is its closer, “Daisy,” a collaboration with Leon Michels of El Michels Affair. Here, a sweet, nostalgic melody meets gently aching lyrics as Prochet mourns the lingering sorrow of lost love: “Time just passed so fast as you walked out the door / Those feelings never left the inside.” Michels’ 70s-inspired guitar work adds a welcome vintage richness, subtly amplifying the emotional undercurrents hiding beneath the song’s sunlit veneer. Another highlight, “In the Stars,” is a dancefloor-ready gem. Its orchestral flourishes and infectious beats push Prochet’s sound into euphoric territory without losing her signature haze.
Unclouded captures the full range of Prochet’s artistry. It’s a record that feels light on its feet but emotionally grounded, reaffirming that she remains one of the most enchanting voices in psychedelic pop today.
Image via Domino Records
