Yann Tiersen is one of those musicians who originates from folk and knows how to craft wonderful melodies with no need for orchestra or a band. His minimal music is just enough to open charming landscapes where it's possible to live under ruling of free thoughts, emotions and memories. This picture reminds of the island of Ouessant, where the album had actually been recorded. A place of perfect blue skies, clean houses and the spread sheet to dry on a breeze. And beautiful women on bicycles.

Tiersen's talent can easily compose an anthem for this segment of ideal world, but he prefers variety art. There is obviously a small waltz with the accordion, a ballad with the piano, some divine songs. A plenty of guitars, sometimes even a little rough sound, much of a luminous yet melancholic energy.

Album has some famous guests appearances on it, like ethereal voice of Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Fraser on Kala and Mary, Tindersticks' Stuart Staples on A Secret Place and some others. Jane Birkin herself appears on Plus d'hiver, a song probably too political for Tiersen.

With his whimsical, melancholic music, Yann Tiersen has become a sought-after composer, not only for his soundtracks (enough to mention Good Bye Lenin!, Amelie set everyone's teeth on edge), but also for his own works. Borrowing from French folk music, chanson and street music, as well as avant-garde, classical and minimalist influences, Tiersen's deceptively simple style has been linked to Chopin, Erik Satie and Philip Glass, which is really reasonable.

Since Yann's debut records, his creative world seems unchanged. The listener still lets himself rock on emotional soft sounds that emanate from the skies and memories. Maybe it does not comprise enough evolution compared to the precedents, but that's because it's not about evolution. It's about maturity.

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Aulis Vierhovssen
October 2005