Sebastien Tellier has always been one to evoke cinematic excess. With his latest LP, Confection, he seems to have decided to test the limits of it. He's toned down some of the sleaze that was at the forefront of 2008's Sexuality and married it to his film composer side. The strings, which are featured throughout the album, are as syrupy as molasses and the focus is ultra soft. If you're looking for some reference, look no further than Pierre Bachelet's score for Emmanuelle, the 1974 French soft-core film that ushered in an era of European erotica. Perhaps Tellier is getting more in touch with his romantic side here, the theme seems to be consistent throughout the record. But he's got a keen sense for melodrama at the same time. Whatever it is, it is definitely mood music of a certain pedigree. One that is sure to please fans.

• music label: Record Makers 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 1/2014