Art D'echo

Websites:  No
Origin: Montréal, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Art d’Echo: A Hidden Gem of the 1990s Montreal Scene
Art d’Echo was a short-lived but immensely talented band from Montreal, Quebec, active in the mid-1990s. Known for their lush arrangements, heartfelt lyrics, and top-tier musicianship, the band left a lasting impression despite releasing only three songs: Family Table, Nothing Sacred, and For the Sake of Love.

The core of Art d’Echo was Frankie Thomas Hamel (vocals, vocal arrangements) and Christian Gendron (keyboards, guitars, arrangements). They were joined by guitarist Robert Rioux and drummer Mike Dinardo. The tracks were co-produced by Rolly Anctil and recorded at Savage Sound Studios and Studio Economik, both located in Montreal, which were known for capturing some of the city’s most vibrant acts of the time.

Three Songs, Infinite Potential
Though their output was limited, the quality of these songs hints at a band with much more to offer. Family Table is a haunting, lyrical dive into family dynamics, filled with powerful imagery and melancholy beauty. Nothing Sacred touches on the fragility of trust and lost love, carried by Frankie Thomas Hamel’s deeply emotional vocal delivery. Meanwhile, For the Sake of Love stands out as a cinematic, slow-building ballad that showcases the full breadth of their musical talent.

The meticulous production and sophisticated songwriting suggest a band operating at a high level. However, Art d’Echo vanished soon after these recordings, leaving behind only a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been.

Where Did They Go?
While it’s unclear why Art d’Echo didn’t continue, some of its members appear to have remained active in the Montreal music scene. Christian Gendron may have pursued a career in Quebec’s musical theater and piano circuit. Rolly Anctil stayed involved in music production, contributing to other projects in the mid-1990s. The other members, however, seem to have moved on from the music industry, or remained behind the scenes.

For fans of deeply emotional, well-crafted 1990s aor rock, Art d’Echo remains a hidden gem. Though their time was brief, the music they created still resonates with those lucky enough to discover it.
-Robert Williston

Frankie Thomas Hamel: vocals, guitars, backing vocals, vocal arrangements
Christian Gendron: keyboards, guitars, arrangements
Robert Rioux: guitars
Mike Dinardo: drums

Guitar arrangements by Robert Rioux and Art d’Echo
Produced by Art d’Echo
Co-produced by Rolly Anctil
Guitars recorded by Rolly Anctil
Recorded, mixed, and engineered at Savage Sound Studios and Studio Economik, Montréal, Québec