The Cinematic Orchestra - Ma Fleur

It may be an oxymoron, but there's a feeling of understated concept album permeating Ma Fleur. Recurring musical motifs ebb in and out, whilst the 11 songs proper are stretched over the CD's maximum 99-track capacity, ensuring this is an album you listen to as a whole. The Cinematic Orchestra's jazz-leanings may be a starting point, but, as their name suggests, they're still working on a broader canvas. To Build A Home's cascading piano and rush of strings bolsters the fragile guest vocals of Patrick Watson, whilst Child Song begins with a Four Tet-style folk loop before morphing into unabated, sun-drenched, Hammond-organ bliss. A rich tapestry indeed, though this trait can leave the end product feeling a little unfocused at times. However, when the squealing, white noise guitar and clattering drums of As The Stars Fall pricks up the ears, or the unexpected, soaring blues chorus of Breathe lifts the spirit to the rafters, such minor quibbles can be forgiven. [Darren Carle]