You know this feeling
Stargrazer | deep in the heart of Michigan | 10/27/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Benoit Pioulard (recording moniker of Ann Arbor's Tom Meluch) gave us all quite a start with 2006's "Précis," an album that mixed up nimble acoustics and soft submerged voices with spark-and-smoke-like drone interludes. It made all kinds of best of lists and predicated Meluch's cross-country move.
"Temper" was recorded in more makeshift settings perhaps, but it follows up nicely on the promise implicit in "Précis" -- that here was a new voice, drawing sonic inspiration from decaying leaves and filtered sun and engaging in the somewhat lost art of creating tone poems.
The Elliott Smith comparison is there for those who can't see past it, the Nick Drake comparison is there for those who need to get out more, but honestly "Temper" bears only comparison to its preceding release "Précis." It is an excellent follow-up, perhaps not scaling the heights of that release, but offering some fantastic continuations of the ideas on that album (like opening cut "Ragged Tint.") There are some new sounds present too, harmoniums, dulcimer and vibes make cameos throughout.
On "Temper," the drone interludes take a little more of the spotlight, but they are evenly distributed through an album that straddle organic atmosphere with laptop field recordings and tasteful and poetic use of electronics and sound processing. While probably not intended as a strict companion piece to "Précis," "Temper" is of the same cloth. If you own neither, I recommend both! If you enjoyed "Précis," you have probably been yearning for an album like "Temper" for quite some time now."
A Worthy Succesor to Précis, ethereal and haunting.
Mark E. Tobin | Grand Rapids, MI United States | 12/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Benoît Pioulard creates another masterpiece with this follow up to the 2006 release Précis!
I've been waiting for this new album for quite some time now and it does not disappoint. This new offering (arguably among the best music releases of 2008) shows much growth and maturity since Précis; the artist seems to really craft each track, taking his time and presenting the listener with an ethereal journey that recalls (for me anyways) lazy summer evenings and hazy remembrances. What strikes me is the casual and laid back way that the album is structured...it's the perfect companion for a night of wine and reading, the perfect marriage of fluid energy and otherworldy beauty.
While Temper does tread into new directions, the core of Benoît Pioulard is still there, peeking through. Musically, it is more mature, more honed. The vocals seem a bit more layered, more crisp and clean. It takes what was great about Précis and makes it better. It's great to see a musician develop and evolve as an artist from album to album.
As I write this, I am listening to the CD and staring out the window, into the far distance. This music takes you on yet another musical journey, which, like the first album, is beautiful and delicate, yet bold and memorable. Mostly though, it is original and a great joy to listen to.
If you liked Benoît Pioulard's first offering, then you will love this. This is sincerely some of the most original music and finest music I've ever heard...the only negative thing about it that comes to mind is having to wait for him to write, record and produce a third release!
Please hurry.
"
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1