Those that melted in the wake of Motion and Every Day will be familiar with The Cinematic Orchestra’s ability to evoke the aural equivalent of wrapping yourself in a warm doona after a hard day. Ma Fleur is no exception. Noticeably different from its predecessors, Ma Fleur places a stronger emphasis on vocals, heralded immediately with sublime harmonies and tonal qualities, courtesy of Patrick Wilson and Fontella Bass, that allow ‘Familiar Ground’, ‘Child Song’ and ‘Breathe’ to reach moments that are truly arresting. As the album progresses, it is evident that main man Jason Swinscoe has made a deliberate attempt to simplify things, producing a result that approaches the area of theatrical ballads, occasionally teetering over the edge into tediousness. The ebb and flow of drawn-out strings, guitars and piano are infused with less of the stimulating jazz complexities present in earlier recordings. Those craving the edgy dynamism of earlier days may turn away from Ma Fleur with disappointment; however, the masterful subtleties and dreamy washes of this new style should not be overlooked.
Daniel Aron