French multi-instrumentalist Bruno Karnel released new full-length album »Villa Solitude«; out now via Bitume Productions!

French multi-instrumentalist Bruno Karnel stream his new full-length album, »Villa Solitude«, which was just released on March 14th, 2025 via Bitume Productions.

Tracklist:
01. Leaving Diaspar
02. Heliopolis
03. Candlelight City (ANOB)
04. Tvé Město I
05. Edepol
06. Lightnings
07. Okhta-Tsentr
08. Vndadiem ou le 21h06

Courtesy of Grand Sounds PR:

Urban and atmospheric, the music of French multi-instrumentalist Bruno Karnel borrows from various musical currents to create a highly personal style: post-rock, pop, prog, post-punk, metal…

In the footsteps of Las Ilusiones (2021) and Hic sunt dracones (2023), this third album »Villa Solitude« features eight tracks oscillating between melancholy and hope. Imaginary towns (»Leaving Diaspar«), dystopian urban centers (»Okhta-Tsentr«) or cities ravaged by war (»Candlelight City«) intersect in this musical travel diary where solitude is only apparent: for an acute ear, there is always a presence, lurking in the shadows of the notes – reassuring or threatening.

More instrumental and vintage than on its two predecessors, BK’s music today is heavily influenced by the underground scenes of Central and Eastern Europe: Kauan, A Noend of Mine, Tabór or even Molchat Doma (»Vndadiem«).

Like the first two albums, »Villa Solitude« was recorded and mixed by Florent Morel at Marg’Sound Studio. Thomas ‘Plec’ Johansson (Pixie Ninja, Molesome, Soilwork…) was in charge of the mastering. The album also benefits from the powerful and precise striking of drummer Basile Combes (Dislimn), and a host of guests, including Matthieu Gajewski (ex-Master Crow) on bass on three tracks, as well as Artem Litovchenko (Thy Catafalque, Sheetel, Abstrakt Lake…) or Polina Faustova (Hans Zimmer) on cello.

All words and music by Bruno Karnel. All songs arranged by Bruno Karnel.
Recorded and mixed by Florent Morel at Marg’Sound Studio (France). Mastered by Thomas ‘Plec’ Johansson at Panic Room Studio (Sweden). Cover photo by Sonia. Artwork and layout by Oleksandr Kurta.

Order »Villa Solitude« here: bitumeprods.bandcamp.com

Line-up:
Bruno Karnel – acoustic and electric guitars, Borisov bass, domra, saz, mandolin, keys, sampler and field recording, vocals
Basile Combes – drums and percussion

Guests:
Matthieu Gajewski – bass guitar on »Diaspar«, »Candlelight« and »Lightnings«
Sonia – vocals on »Candlelight«, »Okhta-Tsentr« and »Lightnings«
Roman Starkman – piano on »Diaspar« and »Vndadiem«
Polina Chorna – piano on »Lightnings«
Iryna Kulshenka – vocals on »Heliopolis«
Ella Yevtuchenko – vocals on »Vndadiem«
Polina Faustova – cello on »Lightnings«
Artem Litovchenko – cello on »Diaspar«
Oleksandra Vyentseva – violin on »Candlelight«

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well