Search - Benoit Pioulard :: Precis

One of the best albums of 2006 .....a breathtaking sonic lan

Michael L. Toscano | 12/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love finding albums like Benoit Pioulard's Précis. Its one of those albums that you wont ever hear on the radio, but once stumbled upon - you realize the treasure it has in store. I would consider this album to be a headphone album, in which the experience of listening to it on headphones makes a world of difference. You notice every beat, ever spoken word and with closing your eyes this album brings you to another place. It is beautiful, serene, intimate, and nostalgic. And with the use of old recorded vocals and ambient sounds, Pioulard creates a soundscape that walks a fine line of joy and sadness that is brilliantly deep. It's rare that one finds a debut album that is so impressive as this one and that is perfectly crafted from beginning to end that flows beautifully. Precis acts like an experience, a surreal dream haze that you'll never want to let go."

Haunted Solitude

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 01/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Intense and veiled, the first track builds into a ecstatic release and sudden closure. The mood is one of a dark forest near the ocean. The second song contains a certain dissonance that speaks of an emotional depth that is being unveiled. Static echoes turn to melodious revelations as the album starts to escape, although the vocals still seem to be swirling underneath a sea of haunted solitude.



"Moth Wings" is an inviting mystery. I wish this track was longer because it seems to embody escape elements I enjoy. The nostalgic elements in the next track leads into a spacious epiphany where Thomas Meluch still seems to be experimenting with his moody voice. The lyrics seem to present more of a mood than a story. You can feel the emotions even as you strain to hear the poetry.



Corpus Chant has elements of magic and memories. Coup de Foudre is intense and awakening in a psychedelic haze. Hirondelle melts and merges into a dreamy pop embrace and then shatters into space. Needle and Thread is gorgeous and has elements of kissing in a smoky room. R Coloring pretty much sets this album on fire and then disappears into a liquid reverberation. Patter is a wave of sound washing on your shore and creates a breathless heady feeling as if you are swept away into a moonlit night on a sea of fulfilled dreams.



Thomas Meluch's voice is too beautiful to be covered in a haze of hushed lyrics. I'd love to see him break free and emphasize his voice over the music. Opening the door to the world of these poetic lyrics would reveal a deeper emotional magic. If you enjoy the sound of a voice more that the lyrics then this album will more than likely sweep you into a state of anticipation.



There are some stunningly beautiful acoustic guitar moments that will leave you hungry for more. The melodies are beautiful and the lyrics would be amazing if they were center stage and not so encased in a misty forest dreamscape. Also, I think each track would benefit from a little deeper exploration because just when you have been introduced, you are left with a longing for more.



Listening to this album a second and third time seems essential and as the album reveals more of its intricate details (turning down the volume and listening to this album on regular speakers - instead of expensive headphones - reveals more lyrics), this becomes even more intriguing. Now that we have been completely teased with mystery, I hope the next album shatters expectation and the lyrics take a more prominent position. A fascinating debut album that reveals its subtle nuances to the patient heart.



~The Rebecca Review

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Incredible debut!

Dj Bootleg | St. Charles, IL USA | 11/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It seems as though Thomas Meluch (aka Benoit Piolard) has been recording noises and fragments of music all of his 22 years, and maybe he has, but this is the first the general public has heard his work. It is breath taking, powerful, and ever-changing. Everytime I listen this album I hear something different, it is almost like the music is alive.



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