Five years since their acclaimed album “Junior,” Montreal outfit Corridor returns with a bold new sound on “Mimi,” set for release on April 26th. This time, it’s not just the music that’s evolved; the band itself has undergone a period of reflection and growth, reflected in the album’s thematic depth and musical experimentation.
“Mimi” marks a conscious departure from the “exhausting” work ethic that birthed “Junior.” Instead, the band embraced a slower, more collaborative process, prioritizing experimentation and exploration. Co-producer Joojoo Ashworth (Dummy, Automatic) further enriched the sound with their electronic expertise, pushing Corridor’s boundaries beyond their trademark guitar-driven style.
“For a long time, we identified as a guitar-oriented band, and the goal of making this whole record was trying to get away from that,” bassist and vocalist Dominic Berthiaume explains. This shift is evident in tracks like “Jump Cut,” a psychedelic swirl of hypnotic guitars and interwoven vocals, and the nocturnal ruminations of “Caméra,” which tackles contemporary anxieties around self-promotion in the digital age.
While themes of “getting older” and navigating life’s transitions permeate the album, “Mimi” isn’t weighed down by introspection. There’s a vibrant energy bubbling under the surface, a testament to the band’s creative rejuvenation. New member Samuel Gougoux, whose background lies in electronic music, has seamlessly integrated his influences, infusing “Mimi” with a distinct rhythmic pulse reminiscent of classic post-punk’s dance-rock fusion.
The single “Mourir Demain” exemplifies this newfound dynamic. Built on shimmering guitars and ascending synths, the song confronts the realities of facing one’s own mortality, inspired by a moment of contemplating life insurance and death in the context of fatherhood.
Watch the video below:
“Nothing is more abstract, insecure, and random than a musician’s income,” Jonathan Robert says of “Mon Argent,” another track grappling with the realities of a life in music. He elaborates, “The responsibilities piling up in my adult life have, unfortunately, prevented me from continuing to avoid the subject. We end up giving a lot of importance to something we don’t understand.”
But “Mimi” doesn’t dwell on anxieties. It ultimately champions unfettered creativity and celebrates the band’s growth. As Samuel Gougoux concludes, “We just focused on making a record that sounded the way we wanted. There were no limitations when it came to what was possible.”
With their evolving sound, introspective themes, and infectious energy, Corridor’s “Mimi” promises to be a captivating journey, marking a fresh chapter for the band while remaining true to their genre-defying spirit.
Tour Dates
03/09/2024 Mexico, MX – Pitchfork Music Festival Mexico City
03/12/2024 Los Angeles, CA – Ghengis Cohen
03/13/2024 Austin, TX – SXSW
03/14/2024 Austin, TX – SXSW
03/15/2024 Austin, TX – SXSW
05/30/2024 McGill, NV – Schellraiser Festival
10/04/2024 Montréal, QC – Le National
Photos – Dominic Berthiaume
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