Tertous

TERTOUS is the first album by the duo formed by Mélanie Loisel and Rachel Langlais. It consists of seven acoustic instrumental pieces recorded at GMEA in Albi (France).

A double bassist with a classical background, now engaged in free improvisation and experimental forms, Mélanie Loisel also develops the solo project Borguefül, in which she explores a ritual, transfigured double bass at the crossroads of imaginary languages and reimagined traditions. Rachel Langlais, a keyboardist and composer active in projects ranging from experimental pop to contemporary creation (Pyjamarama, La Colonie de vacances), released her solo album Dothe on Un je-ne-sais-quoi — a wonderful work centered around prepared piano.

With TERTOUS, the two musicians bring together their research within a minimalist setup: double bass and accordion. The acoustic instruments are shaped and transformed through a precise exploration of textures, friction, breath, and the use of effect pedals that subtly alter the perception of timbre.

Balancing composition and improvisation, TERTOUS evokes traditions with no defined territory. Motifs emerge, bend, and respond to one another, maintaining a fragile equilibrium between ritual, slow dance, and sonic abstraction.

The title TERTOUS means “everyone” in regional dialect — a collective, almost familiar address: “hello, my dear tertous.” The project carries this sense of openness, inviting listeners to explore alongside them the richness and hidden secrets of their instruments…