Herald rating: * * *
It sounds like an orchestra warming up without the harsh, nails-down-the-blackboard effect that mess of fine tuning can produce. The (mostly) contemplative and peaceful sound of L. Pierre, the alias of Aidan Moffat, formerly of Scottish post-folk band Arab Strap, is ideal for
those lazy Sunday mornings. This, however, ain't no contrived compilation of Jack Johnson and Chris Martin ditties.
For a start, on Dip, his third album, he uses mainly live instruments rather than loops and effects for the first time. It is a gentle cacophony - like the recurring chime on Gust (oops, is the record stuck?) or the haunting and ghostly Gull Song.
Plus it's a six-track concept album about, well, taking a dip in the great outdoors. Look, it begins and ends with the gentle lapping of waves for Brian Eno's sake. And if you want to get really wild, the reflective mood of the music allows you to free your mind and explore your innermost emotions.
There is something clever and intriguing about L. Pierre's soundscapes but sometimes they end up as ineffectual drivel. Yet given lots of volume on a Sunday morning the gently probing piano chords and sad strings on Ache are magical.
Verdict: Perfect to sit back and contemplate life to but tends to waffle
Label: Melodic/Samurai
