Firmly rooted in the tradition of chanson française, French pop band Monsieur Roux released their critically acclaimed debut album in 2005. Founded in 2004 in Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine, the band is comprised of Erwan Roux (vocals, guitar), Bertrand Thépaut (guitar), Kevin Gravier (bass), and Matthieu Lesiard (drums). Monsieur Roux made their full-length album debut in 2005 with Ah Si J'étais Grand et Beau..., which was originally released independently. Well received from a critical standpoint upon its release, Ah Si J'étais Grand et Beau... was awarded a Prix Charles Cros in 2007 and reissued that year by the Atmosphériques label, ultimately peaking at number 97 on the French albums chart. Monsieur Roux were subsequently signed to a major-label contract with Mercury Records, which reissued Ah Si J'étais Grand et Beau... yet again in 2008. The band's second album, Un Été Caniculaire, was released a year later. ~ Jason Birchmeier