[.ca] Vent Fou

Amazon.ca:
Montreal-based singer and cellist Jorane unleashes a torrent of big emotions on Vent Fou, her impassioned debut disc. Her style, which merges elements of rock, classical, folk, and ambient music, is impressive but excessive--she positively hurls herself through the songs here. In other words, Jorane loves big crescendos, which might be why the disc's gentlest moments are often the most memorable. "Juré" marries a delicate but intricate musical setting to a lilting vocal performance that strongly recalls Tori Amos and Kate Bush. The string-laden "Hier Nuit" is yet more ethereal and could be a sister song to This Mortal Coil's version of Tim Buckley's "Song to the Siren." The more strident folk numbers also work well. "Elmita" is a ballad whose lyrics describe the noises of war: marching feet, rallying cries or the "sanglots" (sobs) of children. Though compelling, her lyrics can also be unnecessarily florid. With its references to destiny, magical spells, and "angels' wings," "Jinx"--one of two songs Jorane sings in English--gives anglophones a sense of the typical contents of her songwriting. While most of Vent Fou is serene enough to appeal to fans of Dead Can Dance or Loreena McKennitt, Jorane can't resist the urge to rock out. Results are varied. On "Candeur," a string section contrasts with an oddly funky rhythm section and loud, grungy guitars, creating a histrionic mess. "Sous-Marin Marion" is a more successful stab at symphonic rock, with Jorane singing over a grinding dirge that's worthy of fellow Montrealers godspeed you black emperor! It rates as one of the stormiest moments on a perhaps overly volatile album. Even if the ambitions of Jorane, producer Pierre Girard, and arranger and multi-instrumentalist Bernard Falaise extend beyond their reach on Vent Fou, they still make impressive use of an unusual musical palette. --Jason Anderson

Well worth your time and money.:
Moody, haunting, and very sophisticated, this album is rich with possibilities for the listener to explore. Jorane's bewitching cello work, unusual vocal style (slurring the lyrics, but evoking a strong sense of sensuality just by means of its sonic quality) and challenging structures mean that this isn't an album that you can explore fully in one sitting. This is for those who don't know that Quebecois music extends beyond Celine Dion's manufactured pop.

A unique music from a unique artist:
I'd say artsits like Jorane (spoken Jor-ann) are having the rare touch that makes you appreciate music in all its senses. She took many styles and different techniques to deliver a creative work that goes and reaches us deeply into our minds. This 24 year-old artist isn't like any other singer or musician, she uses her voice considering it as a music instrument itself, creating a special musical language no one ever thought about before, and also plays in the same way on a cello which she qualifies as a very important source of inspiration. Her lyrics are caracterized by a wonderful universe she made her own and their content is in the same time, very poetical and touching. The eclectic style she adopted gave her the attention from the Quebec's critics and public. She makes annual tours in europe and most oftenly visits all over Canada. Jorane is currently preparing a second album that will soonly be available. Even if the majority of the cd's songs are in french (2 are in english), a little change is really worth it, and for all the french surfers out there, it is definitely an album to have in your library.

• Ineffable
• Juré
• Candeur
• Sous-Marin Marion
• Comme Avant
• Vent Fou
• Dit-Elle
• Hier Nuit
• Monsieur Piment
• Jinx
• Coda
• Elmita
• Machaut
• Prière