After La Maison Magique (2023), Clair returns with a new EP featuring five previously unreleased songs, all written by Philippe Katerine. This unique project, entitled Le Bestiaire, gives voice, or rather music, to creatures that are often forgotten: ‘Le Gendarme’, ‘La Sauterelle’, ‘Les Sardines’, ‘Le Poulpe’ and ‘La Langoustine’.

“For Clair, my favorite singer, I wrote five songs forming a bestiary, featuring animals that are too often despised. Animals that are very difficult to tame. Clair herself has this side to her. Her wild nature immediately discourages any desire to conquer her on the part of scoundrels.” Philippe Katerine

Under the mischievous pen of Katerine, these animals become poetic and whimsical mirrors of humanity. Clair, with her free voice and daring performance, breathes constant unpredictability into these pieces.

“I’m always a little embarrassed when someone introduces me to their dog or cat. I never really know what to say, so I pretend to find it remarkable. Animals don’t interest me. At least, not those close to humans. In this bestiary, there are no mammals. No domestic animals. Only mysterious, voiceless animals. Here, there’s no meow meow, woof woof, or moo moo. I don’t presume to sing on their behalf—besides, I didn’t write the songs, the poet Philippe Katerine (himself a pig) did—but rather to shed a little light (or music) on these discreet creatures. Everyone is free to listen to “Le Gendarme,” “La Sauterelle,” “Les Sardines,” “Le Poulpe,” and “La Langoustine” and make whatever connections they wish with the human race. The most interesting animal in my opinion” Clair

Recorded at Studio Juno in Yerres with Bertrand Fresel, the project was conceived in the spirit of a live performance: everyone played and sang together, in the same room, to preserve the raw energy of the moment. Alongside Clair are her stage partners: Vincent Mougel (guitar, piano), Olivier Smith (bass), and Jérôme Laperruque (drums).

The mastering was entrusted to Alex DeTurk, known for his work on Clairo’s album, an amusing nod that Clair claims: “I thought it made sense because we have almost the same name. But also because I really like the sound of his record. “

Through this bestiary, Clair and Philippe Katerine have created a hymn to the indomitable, a celebration of life in all its forms, where humor, grace, and freedom echo each other.