Emilie Simon: Franky Knight

Emilie Simon
Franky Knight
(Ais)
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

This French musician is far better known in Europe where she has been releasing music for a decade, than in the States, where her albums are somewhat difficult to find. This one has been available overseas for over six months but since nine of its tracks also serve as the soundtrack to the film Delicacy (La Delicatesse), which opens in the US this week, we finally get to hear what we’ve been missing. Simon’s high, fluttering voice can’t help but be compared to Kate Bush and both are an acquired taste. However, Simon’s cabaret/electronic pop, sung in both English and French, is less edgy and earthier, if still plenty ethereal and arty. These songs were written after the sudden death of her boyfriend but aren’t as gloomy as you’d expect with that back story. Glockenspiel, strings and synths/keys add enticing European elements to these eclectic, charming tunes that should garner her some well deserved traction in the US.