Blanche Biau - Heartcore

In Heartcore, Swiss dreampop artist Blanche Biau follows up 2021’s Maraudé—first released on CD and later reissued on vinyl to critical acclaim—with a collection that subtly expands her 1980s wave-inspired sound. Opening with the unexpected grit of “With Roses You Say Goodbye,” where rough guitars and echoing vocals meet a wistful keyboard line, the album balances shimmering synth ambience, atmospheric guitars, and ethereal vocals with a rawer, more down-to-earth production. Standouts include the 4AD-worthy dreamscape “Forever Feels Like,” the off-kilter guitar textures of “Tambourine,” the Cure-tinged drive of “I Close My Eyes,” and the aptly named “Ocean Blue.” Heartcore is a confident, emotive work that deepens Blanche Biau’s sonic palette while retaining the melancholic elegance of her debut.