London-based group Au Palais (which started out in Toronto) are about to break out in a major way with their upcoming EP Tender Mercy set for release this month via London label The Sounds of Sweet Nothing. And they’ve certainly been catching the ears of all the right people, including the folks at Pitchfork who recently ranked the EP’s title track “Tender Mercy” as one of their Best New Tracks. The site also compared the group’s stylings to another mindblowing Toronto-based group AUSTRA: “Both acts trade in a beat-heavy, darkened version of goth-pop. But on the evidence of this exceptional track, there’s one key difference. AUSTRA’s debut LP, this year’s ‘Feel It Break,’ had a chamber-like claustrophobia to its gloomy outlook. But the title track to Au Palais’ forthcoming ‘Tender Mercy’ EP, with its shimmering neon optimism and soaring vocals, finds a way to let in a bit more light. But then there beneath it all is a rumbling low end, creating just the right amount of contrast and reminding you why these guys take care to note on their Bandcamp that they “record their music at night”. FADER has also fallen head-over-heels for the band, “Au Palais’ contemplative siren sings with restraint, her presence barely-there. She doesn’t bombard with magnitude or woeful wallop. ‘Tender Mercy’ is perfect music for walking home from the party that turned sour.” To stay on top of Au Palais you can follow them on Facebook and Bandcamp. The album is being released on November 28, but you can pre-order your copy by CLICKING HERE.
SEE ALSO: AUSTRA’s “The Beast” + 9/11 Thoughts And Memories = Tears
