Composer/arranger Yann Tiersen is a throwback to the days of concept albums a la Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells: thickly arranged, melodic with moments of drama and panoramic thrills. Here, he mixes strings, percussion, vocals and other various instruments in an opus-like collection of themes, ususlly combined with spoken vocals in choral or solo voice.
The foreboding intro comes across like dark clouds before a Lord of the Ringish drama comes up along themes such as “Slippery Stones” and “A Midsummer Evening.” Strings, choirs and melodramatic climaxes rise up and down on synthetically drummed tunes such as “Lights” while crystals tinkle on “Ar Maen Bihan.” Meditative moments ooze on “In Our Minds” while a closing lecture is given on “ Meterorites.” Thrilling, in a soundtrack sort of sense.
Mute Records