YANN TIERSEN

Kerber MUTE

Atmospheric keyboard instrumentals by the Breton composer.

Yann Tiersen likes to offer his own take on the way that people describe his music, but claiming that Kerber, on which piano is the principal instrument, is not “piano stuff” and that the instrument essentially just gave him something to work around with electronics is pushing it a bit, especially as the piano sheet music was published ahead of the album release. He built up the music by playing along with other keyboard-based instruments, including ondes martenot and Mellotron, which he then processed, frequently to the point of unrecognisability.

Although the electronic element is subtle it lifts the album above contemplative parlour music, and becomes more integral as it progresses. On Ker Yegu Tiersen’s playing is reminiscent of the clear melodic lines of HansJoachim Roedelius, and Philip Glass casts his shadow on the arpeggios of Kerdrall. A processed voice announces Ker Al Loch and the piano is surrounded by glittering textures; synthetic beats briefly take control before it ultimately decelerates and disintegrates. Over simple drum hits, the piano is buffeted by squally sonics on the concluding Poull Bojer.