Review: “Le champ des possibles” by Solitone

“We started this band more than 10 years ago, and during all this time we saw the world evolve. Even if the first Solitone EPs were already relatively political, today we reached a point where we think that from our privileged positions, we can no longer afford to stay evasive at best, silent at worst. Le Champ Des Possibles (that could be translated to The Scope Of Possibilities) tackles issues like alienation at work, the absurd way humans treat animals, our political representatives slide toward fascism, the way men react towards feminism, and the disintegration of the concept of truth. The themes mean a lot to us as we deeply believe in antifascist and anti-capitalist values. We don’t pretend to be role models, we are full of contradictions ourselves (and as different individuals we all come from different trajectories of lives and have different topics that move us differently), but we believe that talking about these topics is a duty against the mainstream rhetoric nowadays.” ~ Solitone

Recorded and mixed by Mathieu Souyris at Chai Studio, mastered by Thibault Chaumont at Deviant Lab and with artwork by Léa Mastrolia, “Le champ des possibles” by Solitone is the work of four guys who hail from Bordeaux in France. The quartet claim a sound that puts together Screamo, Hardcore and Post-Hardcore elements while offering food for thought in politically charged and socially aware lyrical narratives. In 2016 they issued their first call in “Première Vague” (or “First Wave“) and followed it in 2018 with “Lame De Fond” (or “Groundswell“).

Melodic Post-Hardcore riffs give a melancholy vibe to title track “Le champ des possibles” (or “The Scope of Possibilities”) the emotive vocal performance giving the track a sense of heartache as the lyrical narrative plays out. Rooted in almost philosophical metamorphoses lines like “An open would, unspeakable pain, the grass is always greener in the field of possibilities” will resonate with anyone who has suffered from depression, the sense of hopelessness palpable in the swirling moods of the soundscape.

There won’t be many for whom “Dés.ab.usé.e.s” (or “Disillusioned“) doesn’t resonate either, the song another open letter about feeling trapped in the daily grind of work that feels pointless when life is finite. That message is carried by anguished screams and spoken word, the urgent yet cleaner guitar work matching the sentiment perfectly but the real magic that brings it all together is the drumming. A live drum sound has been captured crisp and clean so you can hear every single piece of the instrument like you’re standing right there in front of it and it sounds incredible.

Politically charged and socially aware “Médiocratie” (or “Mediocracy“) calls for the guillotine to save us from the nonsense that politicians and corrupt corporations churn to keep the masses suppressed when the time for change is now. Dissonant rhythms and bombastic bass change the sonic palate with which the band paint to provide something captivating and very well balanced.

There are The Fall Of Troy vibes at the start of “L’écoute sur la table” (or “Listening at the table“) as a tale about how the media blinds us with the headlines and leaves the real stories to rot unfolds. The intricate drum patterns add thoughtful rhythmic textures as the concept washes over you like waves, the bands disillusionment with the current state of world address a rallying cry for change.

An anthem about nothing being right in the world “Rien ne va” (or “Nothing is going right“) this one gently builds to a heavier crescendo with the screams of Lucas Ari of despiteeverythingitsstillyou fame adding another dimension. How do you maintain your focus when the world around you feels like the convicts from Arkham Asylum are in the seats of power? A record that calls for quiet contemplation, “Le champ des possibles” by Solitone is one that is surprisingly soul stirring [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Le champ des possibles
2. Dés.ab.usé.e.s
3. Médiocratie
4. L’écoute sur la table
5. Rien ne va (ft. Lucas Ari of despiteeverythingitsstillyou)

“Le champ des possibles” by Solitone is out 19th June 2026 and is available over at bandcamp