The first album from Frenchman Yann Tambour, Encre consists of dark, quiet songs of guitar and drums with moody whispered French vocals in most tracks. Once you get over the inherent pretentiousness of spoken French vocals, you’ll find some well-created moods and textures. The use of samples works well, adding some great tension and hypnotic effect. European goth girls would love this for its gloomy sensitivity. Think also of Arab Strap, Perry Blake. 2, 7, 1, 6.

1. pretty synth chords (tristeza). samples nicely interrupt.
2. guitar + drums. menacing tension enhanced by noisy samples.
3. guitar + drums + clinking sound samples. recorded outside feel.
4. piano + drums + cello. too smooth for my taste.
5. guitar, piano, drums + trumpet in background. a little more upbeat.
6. free drums + cello + playful brass blips. classical fans will like.
7. drum loop + looped guitar + some violin. nice and dark.
8. drums + cello blips + brass in background. dreamy.