Perhaps best known for his contributions to the soundtrack of cult French film Amelie, Breton ambient guru Yann Tiersen is still composing elegant, atmospheric pieces with a cinematic feel. Conceived in Iceland and also partly made in Brittany, (Infinity) is a polished collection of dreamy soundscapes, peppered with some interesting experimental flourishes.
‘Slippery Stones’ sets the scene with its creepy orchestral shrieks and eerie sound effects, which combined with ethereal, choral vocals give the track a deliciously strange, haunted funhouse feel. ‘A Midsummer Evening’, also featuring choral vocals, is dreamy indie-pop with echoes of The Flaming Lips and The Polyphonic Spree, while ‘Lights’ segues from crystalline synth ambience into an infectious, upbeat groove.
Perhaps the finest track is ‘Steinn’, which starts out as a low-key, tranquilising tune with echoes of Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works, before again kicking into a thudding rhythm topped with burbling synths. Also impressive is ‘In Our Minds’, which layers melancholic vocals over a beautiful orchestral composition.
Though perhaps a track or two short of true greatness, (Infinity) is nonetheless an agreeably soothing listen. As the football crowds used to sing, you’re going home in a floating ambience.