English Review:

Tazio & Boy is a French Group that plays indiepop like it often seems to emerge spontaneously in Portland. In such way Note-book appears to flow continuously, as almost all songs follow each other effortlessly. Because of that quality, the album achieves something of a meditative state, mesmerizing or fairy-like. Their lo-fi approach provides a tranquil sound-picture, at times still, but simultaneously surrounds you with a slight constraint. This is not lastly the merit of the beautifully combined dark male and husky female voice. From the detailed construction of the piano and guitar arrangement, sometimes supported by classic-like strings, emanate little jewels as the striking Houses and Roads. Subsequently it proceeds with the surprisingly heavy sounding song Sylvia, all at the same extremely slow speed. Complaint sounds amazingly looming and dark, at these moments the female singer demonstrates her superior qualities. When she suddenly opens up, she adds an alarming feel to Tazio & Boy, ghostlike as in Watch Out. The pleasing eccentric samples and small experimental features cause Note-book to be exactly what the title implies. The fact that most songs are short miniatures that stroke your cheeks like a fresh bit of air contributes to that experience even more. Although the album could have been a bit more outgoing at points, as a whole the debut convinces with an unsuspected perspective.


Benjamin N. Vis