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Nov 10, 2015 Web Exclusive By Lily Moayeri

Nicolas Godin‘s talents have been established over seven albums as one half of the French duo Air. Contrepoint marks Godin’s first solo album. There are two key inspirations behind Contrepoint: classical composer Johann Sebastian Bach, eight of whose works are used as starting points for the eight tracks on the album, and pianist Glenn Gould. Contrepoint, is, in two words, cinematic and storytelling. Serving as a soundtrack to a yet-to-be-made art film, the album starts with the prog rock-meets-electro “Orca” whose digital bleeps have a conversational tone to them. “Widerstehe doch der Sünde” continues the experimental path hitting a little Beatles along the way in its doom-laden movements and German vocals. Peanuts-like piano noodling drives “Club Nine” while “Clara” is smoky and romantic with flutes and strings punctuated by keys and gentle, relaxing croons over the top. “Glenn” conjures up the feeling of listening to Mannheim Steamroller and “Quei Due” does the opposite with its dark and sinister sensual bent. “Bach Off” is the most playful of the lot with a fun saxophone interlude, which leads to Japanese sonics and then an unexpected ‘70s spy film section. “Elfe Man” closes Contrepoint like an orchestral lullaby. The album is indulgent, but put together with so much detail and care that there really should be a film made around it. (www.nicolasgodin.com) [Note: A U.S. release of Contrepoint is upcoming on February 26, 2016.]

Author rating: 7/10