Sons of Raphael | Exclusive What The France Interview
With their new album Full Throated Messianic Homage out on French label Because Music, fraternal duo Sons of Raphael gave us an exclusive interview. They talk about their relationship, their references and their hopes for the future.
The story of Sons of Raphael is one of myth and madness; of angels and demons. Full Throated Messianic Homage is a hymn to life, death, sin, love and resurrection – songs for the dead that aim to save the living.
Interview
How would you describe your music in a few words?
Rock ‘n’ roll.
What made you want to work together?
This verse from the Book of Psalms: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony”.
What is each person’t role in the band? Are you complementary?
Two are better than one, iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Your first album is called Full Throated Messianic Homage. What does the title refer to?
It’s about the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It’s a term used by specialists debating the question of whether the words of the crowd who were present for Jesus’ triumphal entry in the Gospel According to Mark were messianic. We hope that the words of the crowds that welcome our triumphal entry into the universe are messianic, a full-throated messianic homage.
Full Throated Messianic Homage was seven years in the making, what where the biggest steps along the road?
The key stages are reflected in the four chapters that the songs on the album are divided into: a revolt against time, space and history; a humble contribution to romance; life as just a platform for death; and resurrection.
What was it like working with the departed Philippe Zdar, the musician and producer considered one of the pioneers of French Touch
It was the best moment of our lives. To begin with, we were only supposed to work with him for two weeks but, given the complexity of the mixing process, it turned into two months. We can divide our lives into two phases: before and after meeting Zdar, he taught us how to live.
Which artists inspire your music?
We don’t listen to a lot of music. Both of us love Elvis, but theologians play a more important role as an inspiration for our music.
How do you see your music and your career panning out in a post-pandemic world?
Don’t forget that people have very short-term memories, there have been two world wars and despite the terrible suffering, life carried on. We can’t predict the future, we’re merely instruments in an eternal enigma, we can only hope to continue creating our songs.
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