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Nov 11, 2010 Web Exclusive By Laura Studarus

Yann Tiersen closes his newest album, Dust Lane, with an upbeat guitar and voice tune called “Fuck Me.” It’s a well-earned, tongue-in-cheek movement for the violinist-turned- composer. With six studio albums and three soundtracks (including 2001 standout, Amélie), Tiersen has made a career out of delivering lush instrumentals while quietly subverting expectations.

The autumnal tone of mourning hangs over the album’s nine tracks, influenced by the musician’s loss of both his mother and a dear friend during the recording. However, the results of his bereavement safely skirt navel-gazing. His sorrow becomes manifest by the ethereal choirs of “Ashes,” layered strings of “Till the End,” and—as is the case with the title track—a creepy voice modulator straight out of Air’s 10,000 Hz Legend. Pop meets punk, and classical crashes with laptop rock, as more electronics are used than what might be expected from a man who makes his living with a bow and strings. It may be a bit surprising to learn Tierson can sing (yes that is his voice muttering throughout), but the all out digital warfare of “Palestine”—filled with beautiful, binary dissidence—comes as a glorious shock. Dust Lane is a mash-up of genres, eras, and influences, but nothing ever sounds forced or ill conceived. The album is a beautiful tribute to those lost, and a life-affirming listen to those left behind. (www.yanntiersen.com)

Author rating: 8/10