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Les Imprimes - Fading Forward (Cassette)

Les Imprimes - Fading Forward (Cassette)

Format: Cassette

UPC: 349223018844

Release Date: 04/10/26

Condition: N

Regular price $10.98 USD
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CASSETTE

Big Crown Records is proud to present the sophomore full-length from Les Imprimes, Fading Forward. Spearheaded by self taught multi-instrumentalist and producer Morten Martens, this album explores mortality, escapism, and a myriad of experiences associated with love.

Martens made a tremendous impression with his highly acclaimed 2023 debut Rêverie and has since cultivated a diehard fanbase whose demographics are as wide-ranging as the influences that shape his music. He mixes tones from '60s and '70s Soul with arrangement nods to Doo-Wop records, takes drum energy from Hip-Hop, and covers the whole thing with vocal stylings from '90s & 2000s Alternative. But it is Martens' lyrics, emotion, and delivery that truly bring everything together and help him stand out from his peers. There's an infectiousness and pop sensibility in the writing that is executed with utmost class and taste, giving Les Imprimés the rare quality of immediate attraction that only deepens the more you listen. Hailing from Kristiansand, Norway, Martens plays nearly every instrument on Fading Forward, produces and arranges the album, and of course sings. "It's soul music, but I don't exactly have the soul voice," Morten explains humbly. "But I do it my own way, in a way that's mine." Album opener "You & I" is Morten's homage to his partner who sticks it out "through the chaos and the blunders" with him. Punchy drums and cascading pianos make this one a proper two-stepper and an anthem for those lucky enough to find someone who understands them and helps in the parts of life they need it. "Again & Again" slows the pace and deals with the heavier side of love & life as Martens professes his resilience through the mishaps, the heartbreak, and the let downs of love affairs gone wrong. "Untainted Love" brings the sweet side of new love center stage with a tune that plays on the title of the Gloria Jones classic. "Get Lost" leans into the metaphysical with an invitation to leave reality behind and spend time with Les Imprimés, where there's room to dream. "Only Love" is built over a gritty drum break with a chorus that is simple yet profound, and the arrangement gives it the energy of a mantra. They turn to the dancefloor on "With You," an uptempo, uplifting tune about a fleeting encounter that leaves you pining for more. Martens longs for her, but joyfully, as if just remembering such a connection is possible is what he really needed. Martens is joined by guest vocalist Ama LI on "Miss The Days," a slow burning ballad that reckons back to simpler times when love was in a better place. Fading Forward closes on a wholly somber note with "Paradise", a tune that wishes freedom and peace to a friend who passed away. In the small town of Kristanland, Norway there is a huge talent who spent most of his life laying low and playing the background. Signing to New York's Big Crown Records inspired Morten Martens to start sharing his own music. The response to his debut Rêverie pushed him right out of the studio and onto the stage and all of this has served as inspiration to push his artistry to new heights. New heights that are on full display on Fading Forward. 

SHIPPING & RETURNS

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RETURNS
Items may be returned within 90 days of the delivery date.

If not defective, any product returned must be in the same condition in which customer received it and in the original retail packaging.
Yellow Racket will be responsible for cost of return on all damaged or defective items. Customer is responsible for cost of return if item is not damaged or defective. Photo/video evidence of damages/defects must be provided by customer within 14 days of the delivery date.
Customer assumes all responsibility for duties and taxes associated with international shipments.

GRADING

Yellow Racket assigns condition based on the Goldmine Standard for grading records.
New (N) (Not typically included in the Goldmine Standard)
New records are purchased directly from the label, distributor, or registered wholesaler. Records are still sealed. Jackets may have slight shelf wear, but media has never been played.
Mint (M)
Still sealed. Never played. No observable flaws.  Items have been purchased secondhand.
Near Mint (NM)
A Near Mint (NM) record will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. The record should show no obvious signs of wear.
The cover (and any additional packaging) has no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable defects.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
A Very Good Plus (VG+) record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.
Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches.
The disc and LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be gently marred by spindle marks, paper scuffs, wrinkled corners, etc.
Very Good (VG)
Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident, but will not overpower the music. Disc may have light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
Labels, jackets, and inserts will have visible cosmetic flaws such as wrinkles, cut-outs, slight splitting, etc. However, it will usually have less than a dozen minor flaws.
Good (G)
A record in Good condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present.
While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback. 
Poor (P), Fair (F)
The record may be cracked, badly warped, or won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve may be water damaged, split, or heavily marred by wear and writing.
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