Haux, the musical alias of Woodson Black, unveils “Claire De Lune,” a delicate and poignant composition that gracefully navigates the line between homage and reinvention, inviting listeners into an intimate tale of vulnerability and catharsis.
The title choice nods to Debussy‘s classical masterpiece, yet Haux establishes his own emotional territory within the echoes of the past. The track tenderly embraces vulnerability, echoing the timelessness of its namesake composition, while infusing it with a contemporary twist.
The accompanying video’s unique aspect ratio initially caught my attention initially but swiftly became a testament to an acute awareness of contemporary visual consumption. In this digital age dominated by TikTok and Instagram Reels, Haux unapologetically tailors his art to the preferences of a visually driven music-consuming audience
As a side note, my fondness for this song is evident, as Haux‘s choice of attire—donning a Juventus top in both the video and press photos—hasn’t deterred me, a born and bred Napoli fan, from delving into the soulful depths of “Claire De Lune.” This alone stands as a testament to the song’s magnetic allure.
Delving into the heart of the song’s inspiration, Haux shares a deeply personal narrative about loss and longing. The genesis of “Claire De Lune” lies in the emotional aftermath of a tragic incident, providing a poignant backdrop to the haunting melody. Black‘s confession about rewriting the script and using the song as a farewell tale adds an extra layer of intimacy, turning the track into a personal eulogy resonating with anyone who has faced the cruelty of untimely goodbyes.
As we eagerly anticipate his sophomore album, “Blue Angeles,” slated for spring 2024, the artist’s journey becomes even more compelling. The album, produced by a stellar lineup including Thomas Bartlett, Maxwell Byrne, and Aug E. Rose, promises an exploration of Haux‘s quest to outrun the past, grapple with addiction, and find solace in nature.
Haux‘s evolution from the acclaimed “Violence in a Quiet Mind” to the forthcoming “Blue Angeles” signals not just a musical progression but a personal metamorphosis. As listeners, we find ourselves not just hearing but feeling, not just witnessing music but an artist’s soul laid bare in notes and lyrics. Haux‘s lament, “What happens when we stop running away?” echoes long after the song is done, and I eagerly anticipate the answer in the upcoming album.
