Skyline

French composer and multi-instrumentalist Yann Tierson has released several albums since the mid-'90s while also writing music for films (he received quite a bit of attention for his work on Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s romantic comedy Amelie). 2012’s Skyline isn’t a soundtrack, but the music, by turns atmospheric and dramatic, conjures cinematic images. The opener, “Another Shore,” moves between sections marked by a big guitar sound and quieter passages, one of which has subtle bass clarinet from Stephane Bouvier. Tierson plays all the instruments and sings on “I’m Gonna Live Anyhow,” an impressive, multi-tiered construction with a striking variety of timbres. “Exit 25 Block 20” has room for the sparkling sounds of glockenspiel and vibraphone, swooping synths, and rowdy shouts. The deftly arranged “The Trial” takes its time as it moves from minimalist atmospherics to rousing drama before drifting off in a synth wash. “Vanishing Point” places dreamy vocals over a steady chug that suddenly winds down, bringing Skyline to a close.