!

All the tracks on ! were released by Ici d'ailleurs between 2009 and 2012 on the three EPs: Darling, Darling, Darling... (2009), Scandale ! (2009), and Al Abama (2011). They make up what was originally the first album by Chapelier Fou, which was self-produced and self-distributed before he joined Ici d'ailleurs in 2009. All the compositions on this record except "Al Abama" and "Hahahahaha" were written and recorded in 2007. Since then, Chapelier Fou has come a long way with the release of several albums (613 - 2010), Invisible (2012), Deltas (2014) - tours all over the world (Europe, Canada, China, Russia, etc.), and increasingly frequent incursions into the audiovisual field ("Les Contes du Paris Perché") or interactive art ("Les Métamorphoses de Mr. Kalia"). However, it becomes quickly obvious that ! is much more than a simple introductory work. It is a remarkably accomplished record which conveys all the richness of all of Chapelier Fou's work and suggests the riches to come. The record includes some of his most emblematic tracks such as the hypnotic "Darling, Darling, Darling..." along with his unstoppable violin gimmick which testifies to the relevance of his approach from his beginnings. Chapelier Fou is putting the finishing touches to a forthcoming album. Here he presents his very first songs in a version which is more in line with his original vision, in terms of artwork and track listing. For the occasion, the tracks were slightly remixed and remastered. CD version comes in a digisleeve.