Yosif

• Rating:

For fans of melodium, lovers of acoustic folk and ambient music, and listeners seeking emotional and contemplative soundscapes.
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LA RECENSIONE

Halfway between the enchanted romanticism of Yann Tiersen and the poetic scenarios of Max Richter, "Palimpse" represents the thirteenth album in ten years for the prolific French artist Laurent Girard, otherwise known as Melodium. Acoustic miniatures, fragile melodies, ambient cadences; a sound so delicate as to be almost imperceptible: what strikes is precisely the simplicity in which these eleven sumptuous compositions with a strong folk matrix stagnate. 

Girard showcases a brilliant compositional streak by forging an intense and desolate work, where muffled sounds and barely hinted glitch complement the constant presence of the acoustic guitar, painting landscapes sometimes reassuring and peaceful, sometimes haunting and melancholic when sweetened by faded piano melodies and the delicate sound of a music box. A magic broken (and in a sharp way) only occasionally by the dark architectures of "Insomnia", a 30-minute track where Laurent expresses his most tragic and experimental side with the addition of funerary trumpets, dark drones, and orchestral elements.

A work I would dare to call "sedative", certainly excessively uniform but perfect in its few insights. Simplicity is the key.

[4.5]

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Summary by Bot

Palimpse is Melodium's thirteenth album, blending folk roots with delicate ambient sounds. The compositions are minimalistic yet expressive, painting peaceful and melancholic scenes. The standout is the experimental 30-minute 'Insomnia', which adds dark orchestral layers to an otherwise gentle album. The review highlights the album's simplicity and emotional depth.

Tracklist Videos

01   Bombs (02:34)

02   In the Forest at Night (03:14)

03   Wreckage (02:06)

04   Kissing Desease (First Version) (02:31)

05   German Voice (03:15)

06   The Hole (02:04)

07   Guitare Theme (02:44)

08   Landscapes (05:57)

09   A Soft Light (02:31)

10   Endless Guitare (03:36)

11   Insomnia (28:19)

Melodium

Melodium is the recording name of French artist Laurent Girard. He is described in DeBaser's review of Palimpse as a prolific artist whose work blends acoustic miniatures, folk elements and ambient cadences.
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