An Exploration of Frustration

Some things seem light and breezy on the surface. But underneath, unexpected depth is waiting to be uncovered. Coquillage by Barrio Colette is a perfect illustration.

After their 2023 album, Rouge Rose, the Geneva-based quartet Barrio Colette are back with their new single, Coquillage, which will be released officially tomorrow. However, we already celebrate the track’s premiere alongside an intriguing video.

At first glance, Coquillage is a garage pop track, energetic and thrilling, though not denying its tendency to dream. No doubt: the track packs a punch, a jovial freshness.

And yet, composed by Luca Celetta and penned by Anissa Cadelli, Coquillage is more than an indie party anthem. Instead, the song explores the frustration of being unable to stick to a plan. When your intentions fall victim to the distractions of everyday life.

But ultimately, Coquillage (English: seashell) turns into a hymn to find strength within. «J’ai vue l’avenir dans une coquillage,» sings Cadelli. I saw the future in a seashell. Interpretation: Hold a seashell to your ear and listen to yourself.

Cadelli elaborates: «There are the movements of the brain and the soul, and then there is the world. We must not confuse the two, or we risk walking over our own destiny.» And it’s easy to agree: There is constant noise around us that quickly shifts our attention away from our heart’s desires.

In this light, the music’s ravish nature becomes the soundtrack of the liberation from outside influence—a bursting plea to reflection, authenticity, and self-fulfilment.