For almost twenty years, KURT WAGNER and his ever-present band LAMBCHOP have forged a winding and uniquely elegant road through the mysteries of “alt-country.” They combine the musical tradition of the white American south with jazz, folk and delicately crafted soul reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield, to invent a new style that follows the soft turns of the lead singer’s deep and soulful voice. The Nashville band’s thirteenth album pushes the limits even further, subtly venturing into hip-hop, R’n’B and hypnotic electronica. But don’t worry! LAMBCHOP’s iconic warmth and ethereal songs remain at the heart of their stunning latest album, “FLOTUS.”   Subtle urban syncopations and textures are coupled with unique vocal processing, using auto-tune and a vocoder, transforming Kurt Wagner’s instantly recognisable velvety voice and phrasing. “First Lady of the United States”, a poetic and satirical reference to his wife, Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party, exudes a sort of composed magnetism, taking us on a gentle stroll through the cotton fields of an American ideal, which is constantly challenged by the band. It is clear that he was not thinking of Melanie Trump – Barack Obama’s hand is pictured on the album cover…So let’s accept that the acronym stands for “For Love Often Turns Us Still”, bringing us right back to the band’s trademark melancholy and relentless calm.   LAMBCHOP’s third show in Rennes with Tombées de la Nuit will take place at the Antipode as part of “L’instant…thé” and promises to be a breathtakingly mellow and sophisticated afternoon concert.