Yann Tiersen is, by far, one of the best known French artists of his generation and the most world- renowned for his writing skills. While his reputation as a musician was first established thanks to his early studio albums, 'La valse des monstres ' (Monsters ' waltz), 'Rue des cascades ' (Cascade street) and 'Le Phare ' (The lighthouse), that served as an introduction for the mainstream audience to his music writing wisdom, it was his work on the score for the movie 'Amlie Poulain '( 'Amelie ') that earned him widespread recognition, where, thanks to great neoclassical vision, he would play around with pop and folk sounds, stripped from common cliches.
But Yann Tiersen made his biggest impression on spectators first and foremost through his live performances, playing alone or with his band, by delivering an emotionally charged and freely inspired conception of his music to the audience.
This libertarian attitude greatly influenced the writing of albums to follow, alternating classical film scores ( 'Good Bye Lenine ', 'Tabarly ') with more 'pop ' music for his studio albums ( 'L 'Absente ', 'Les Retrouvailles ') followed by prestigious guest appearances honouring his unique style of composing (Stuart Staples, Jane Birkin, Dominique A, Lisa Germano, Neil Hanon and more).
On the strength of these successful achievements on record and on stage, Yann always strived to create his own trademark sound, never dwelling on the way that the mainstream audience labels him. By experimenting endlessly with various new musical directions and collaborations (Shannon Wright, This Immortal Coil, Orka..) he reminds those who care to listen that his musical boundaries go as far as he choses.
Yann will have been carrying this message to whatever remote area his worldwide tours will have taken him to, playing his own repertoire under an infinitely fresh and renewed musical light, challenging his own codes.
His new album 'Dust Lane ', brilliantly proves the extent of his ambition once again, blasting all ideas of hermetic musical boundaries; borrowing this time from Rock music sounds, and allowing his musical writing skills to blossom into a superb and strong creation, soon to be shared with his followers on stage.
Sunday 31st October
O2 Academy
Frogmore Street, Bristol
Doors 7pm
All ages - under 14s must be accompanied by an adult