Marc Arsenault, aka
Sendiva, sure started his career on the right foot. The ex-Top 40 radio DJ from Montréal went to London to record his first album with producer Dimitri Tikovoï.
Sendiva, Arsenault's stage name and alter ego, is a typical glam rock persona, dressed in high-heeled boots, leather pants, and leopard shirt. Beyond the look,
Sendiva's music is also firmly anchored in the glam rock tradition, namely Ziggy-era
David Bowie and
T. Rex circa
The Slider: simple guitar-driven rock songs with hooky pop melodies.
Sendiva's vocals can recall
Marc Bolan or
Lenny Kravitz at times (although less strong) and the arrangements include some vintage keyboard sounds that occasionally come in as a reminder of the context in which this album should be considered. Production-wise, this album is of international appeal and
Sendiva even sings in standard French (instead of a more usual Québecois form) with numerous English expressions. The album was received with mixed feelings in Québec, mainly because nourishing international aspirations was still seen as treason by the press (except for mainstream pop and techno artists). Songs like "Easy Writer," "Cellophane Flowerstar," "Star," and "Karmalion" will be enjoyed by any glam rock fan, regardless of the language barrier.
Sendiva, the album, has a kind of panache and conviction rarely found on Québec pop/rock records. Recommended.