Emilie Simon
The Flower Book
Universal


The sudden surge of female French music has pricked my ears and opened them to a world I don't think many of us would otherwise care to divulge in. Emilie Simon is a young lady bringing something different to the table. With only a portion of 'The Flower Book' sung in French, the sensuality and flair naturally occurring with the French language still exists in the English sung tracks.

An obvious comparison to make to Simon would be fellow French recording artist Camille, but her vocal form in standout Song Of The Storm is prominently similar to that of Camille. Simon also occasionally channels the strong electro-pop style Jenny Wilson is known for. Rose Hybride de The and the stunning Dame de Lotus employ this style with deep beats and vigour whereas Triple J favourite Fleur de Saison generates Simon's own vitality.

I'm a sucker for a cover and Simon's intriguing rendition of Iggy Pop's I Wanna Be Your Dog passes the test with a popping beat and jangling guitar in the background. Simon uses the garden as metaphors for much of the record (hence the name): Flowers touches on disposability of relationships (akin to flowers) while Sweet Blossom talks of changing states of emotion (referring to the speedy change of blossom trees and the seasons for symoblism). With Simon's breathy coo, these songs set an instant theme of desperation and love.

Like most things French, there is allure and a sweet subtlety to 'The Flower Book'. Dame de Lotus and Rose Hybride de The are prime examples of this. Having said that, the record is best enjoyed in small doses as it does drift away in slower tracks such as Il Pleut and My Old Friend, the mood weakening caused by a little too much delicacy.

Monika Laskowski