Yann Tiersen Gig Review
Concorde 2, Brighton 5th November 2010
After achieving cinematic grandiosity across numerous inventive compositions, Yann Tiersen has more than earned the right to rock out on latest effort Dust Lane. But after half an hour of uninspiring synths, layered guitars, and fey four-piece harmonies there’s something missing.
And then it happens, left alone on stage Tiersen pours himself into his violin and the tempestuous Sur le fil, before thrashing it into oblivion. However, after this flash of genius, it’s back to familiar Sigor Ros-esque textures.
And here’s the strange thing: given Dust Lane’s preoccupation with mortality, why opt for bombastic guitars rather than the instrument which in his hands could communicate that complex gamut of emotions? As impressive as the overall sound is tonight, it’s easy to remain detached, rather than be swept helplessly along in a tide of feeling.