On the last day of November, Her announced their debut album from a project that has teased us with soulful and sensual tracks, starting two years ago with ‘Quite Like’ and continuing onto two great EPs. There’s no short of admirers for this French export and while the news of their first full-length should be cause for celebration, there’s a heavy note of sadness here. Unfortunately, one-half of Her, Simon Carpentier, passed away in August this year following a long and private battle with cancer, tasking creative partner Victor Solf with the mission of bringing out the album they both worked towards and taking that music to the live arena. In his own words, Solf says: “Simon gave me this mission of finishing the album and supporting it on the live side. It’s my duty now to have our music live for Simon, for our past 10 years’ collaboration, for our fans and for me. Even lately in the recording booth, we could feel his energy around us while we were trying new things.” Solf’s dedication to his friend with ‘We Choose’ is beautiful. Solemn, yes, but with a sense of Carpentier-esque strength present in lyrics like, “I think we could do anything, our wings our broke, but we’ll keep on gliding.” The ever-present “we” shows how Carpentier is still very much part of Her, his soul carrying on through to the studio, to the stage and to the listeners. - HT