L'Envol

Alcest's song 'L'Envol,' which translates to 'The Flight' in English, is a poetic exploration of escapism and the yearning for a transcendent experience. The lyrics, sung in French, paint a vivid picture of the narrator's desire to join a supernatural cohort of immense birds of paradise, soaring in unison under calm, undulating water vaults against the tumultuous backdrop of the night. This imagery suggests a longing for freedom and a departure from earthly concerns, evoking a sense of weightlessness and liberation.

The song's second verse delves into the narrator's cherished memories and dreams, further emphasizing the contrast between the burdens of the physical body and the soul's capacity for flight. The mention of 'translucent waves' and 'pale lights of day' fading into the 'distant stars of exiled' celestial bodies creates a dreamlike atmosphere, where the narrator momentarily leaves behind the heaviness of the corporeal existence for the remnants of an evanescent 'Elsewhere' and for the vividness of waking dreams. This passage reflects the transformative power of imagination and the solace found in the ethereal realms of thought and fantasy.

Alcest, known for their blend of black metal and shoegaze, often referred to as 'blackgaze,' uses their music to explore themes of nature, the sublime, and the inner landscapes of the mind. 'L'Envol' is a testament to the band's ability to evoke deep emotional responses through atmospheric soundscapes and poetic lyrics. The song invites listeners to contemplate the beauty of the intangible and the possibility of finding peace beyond the material world.