Hugo Carmouze returns with Troisième Opinion, his twelfth album, a project that takes his sound to new heights. Known for his sharp bursts of punk energy, Carmouze has pushed beyond his usual style to create something more timeless. The album captures his signature edge while adding intricate production and bold arrangements inspired by the classic rock era of the 1960s and 1970s.
With Troisième Opinion, Carmouze showcases a distinctive balance between guitar and voice that feels entirely his own. Tracks like “Un Petit Chat Dans Mes Bras” stand out with their unique mix of doom-laden rhythms and krautrock-inspired guitars, paired with bittersweet vocals. The song feels like a haunting yet endearing nursery rhyme. On “19,” Carmouze delivers an unforgettable hook that effortlessly connects elements of 60s pop, garage rock, and shoegaze. Meanwhile, “Microrange” offers an instant-classic noisy pop feel, further highlighting the album’s range.
Released under the pseudonym Opinion, Carmouze’s journey as a musician began when he was just 13. Drawing inspiration from garage rock and the DIY ethos, he started recording albums in his bedroom with minimal equipment. His music quickly resonated within the French underground scene, earning a home on the Flippin’ Freaks label. By 2020, he had already released Molly, a sprawling double album exploring themes of solitude and passion. This record solidified his reputation for blending raw energy with emotional depth, channeling influences from artists like Ty Segall, Elliott Smith, and Kurt Cobain.
Now at 18 and based in Bordeaux, Carmouze has crafted a record that feels equally at home in the studio and on stage. Supported by collaborators from the Flippin’ Freaks label, his live shows have become dynamic experiences, seamlessly shifting between intense, noise-driven urgency and moments of delicate vulnerability.
With singles like “19,” “Mains,” and “Microrange” leading the charge, Troisième Opinion captures Carmouze at his most ambitious and inventive. The album serves as a testament to his evolution as an artist and his ability to transform punk roots into something fresh and expansive. His fearless experimentation and deep respect for the roots of garage rock breathe new life into the genre, making it feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Carmouze’s work is a reminder of how music can be both deeply personal and universally resonant.