Montreal’s Population II has unveiled the first single, Le thé est prêt (“The tea is ready”), from their forthcoming album, Maintenant Jamais.
The record, set for release on March 28, 2025, via Bonsound, marks the band’s third full-length offering. Known for their intricate blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and prog influences, the trio appears poised to expand their sonic horizons while retaining the raw energy that has become their hallmark.
Le thé est prêt opens with a riff that pays homage to the Scandinavian psychedelic scene, channelling the Baby Grandmothers, before delving into murky atmospheres and ultimately settling into a groove-driven rhythm. The track showcases agile guitar work and layered instrumentation, drawing comparisons to icons like Jimi Hendrix and Terje Rypdal. This calculated yet free-flowing approach highlights the band’s evolution towards a more refined sound.
Listen below:
The announcement coincides with the start of Population II’s European tour, which includes both headlining dates and support slots for French rock outfit SLIFT. Their itinerary features stops in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK, reflecting the band’s growing international reach.
Produced by Dominic Vanchesteing (known for his work with Marie Davidson and Chocolat), Maintenant Jamais promises a polished yet dynamic listening experience. Tracks such as La Trippance and Rédemption naturelle reportedly lean into the band’s powerful, raw side, while others, like Mariano (Jamais je ne t’oublierai), explore melodic and hook-driven territory.
Population II has built a steady following since the release of their debut album, À la Ô Terre, and 2023’s Électrons libres du Québec. Their recent EP, Serpent Échelle, hinted at a shift towards tighter arrangements, a direction they seem to embrace fully on this upcoming release. The band’s influences, from Soft Machine to MC5, remain evident, but they now balance these with a distinctive creative synergy that sets them apart.
Maintenant Jamais will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
Photo – Rose Cormier
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