L’OMELLETE: Mixing up the moves

L’omelette’s sophomore album Il faut qu’on bouge (We’ve Gotta Move) marks a distinct shift into art-pop, showcasing their vibrant, locally produced sound. Fronted by multi-instrumentalist Meaghan Thompson — aka Megs Benedict — the band is an eclectic mix of jazz, funk, and pop. 

Thompson’s lyrics are tender and witty, a clever critique on spectacle and authenticity. The album is an unabashed celebration of the moment, whatever that may hold. Il faut qu’on bouge asks the listener to accept the uncertainty, to feel discomfort, and move through it.

She said she was once ‘pop skeptical’ but was ultimately won over by alt-pop icon Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft. 

Kicking off the party is the track “Lying Flat,” an upbeat lament for the nine-to-five, and dreams left behind. The track “Observer Effect” slows the momentum to steep in a sultry groove, an alluring exploration of the relationship between the spectacle and the observer. 

“This album was an active attempt to step away from my own life and speak in a more communal sense, and try to talk about ideas that everybody is thinking about,“ said Thompson. 

The title track encapsulates the artists shift into pop-inclusivity. Il faut qu’on bouge opens with a punchy dance beat, showcasing Thompson’s bilingualism. 

“I like to challenge myself as an individual, and this was an artistic challenge that I kind of imposed upon myself,” said Thompson. 

“I think writing in your second language is really awesome, because it helps you remove yourself from your own, like habits and assumptions… It’s a great way to erase all of your patterns and start completely fresh.”

L’omelette takes its name from the band’s creative process. Unsure of where their style would land, they chose a collaborative route, placing their faith in the process.

“We thought a good concept for a genre fusion band would be an omelet,” she said. “It’s about a recipe that can be switched out. A creation that, no matter what you put into it, it’ll probably, hopefully taste good.” 

Thompson’ started studying guitar and songwriting around the age of 12. A true autodidact, she developed her talent independently before shifting her focus to saxophone at 18. Thompson said she later studied under her friend and collaborator Steve Williams, a seasoned composer and saxophonist with over 35 years of experience. 

A captivating performer, she seamlessly transitions from the saxophone, to synthesizer, to soulful vocals. Her voice is velvety and rhythmic, evocative of jazz legends Nai Palm (Hiatus Kaiyote) and Amy Winehouse. Lead guitarist Alex Klipper’s funk-infused melodies and Matthew Lowe’s syncopated bass lines combine to create fresh, contemporary grooves. 

Behind the drums is Thompson’s partner Peter Cormier, frontman for the rockabilly group Peter and the Wolves. 

“Peter was instrumental in challenging me and pushing me to be a better musician. In many ways, he taught me a lot about the guitar and encouraged me to work on the saxophone.”