I've been listening to Julien Neto for a couple of years now, since his debut Le Fumeur De Ciel came out on John Twells' (Xela) beloved Type Records. So it is way overdue for a proper review. Especially since lately the album keeps popping up in my rotations again. Not much is known about an artist producing these surreal, ethereal, insomniac lullabies. We know that Julien lives in Paris, and has produced other [unknown] works under many monikers. The latter is not surprising, since the music on Le Fumeur De Ciel is clearly produced by a season artist. Two tracks on the album feature samples by Keith Kenniff, also known for his work on Type under Goldmund and Helios. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if Neto turned out to be Kenniff's alter ego, but then again, Neto's site is hosted on inpuj_dot_net - home of Proswell. I have confirmed though, that Julien Neto is indeed his real name, and that Kenniff and Neto are different people ;). So really, the mystery behind the real man remains. And the mystery works well with the hazy smoke rising slowly into the sky. The sound is melancholic, cinematic, and without a doubt, modern classical. There is hint of suppressed memory that is bubbling up to the surface in another form of water that can not be turned to tears. The acoustic instruments are in turn consoled by their digital counterparts, within the pieces of a molded program music. Type extrapolates: "Neto based part of the record on the poems of Keats finding a kindred spirit in his deep and moving romanticism." Closing your eyes, you too, will draw on the special images within you. Bring this album back for another spin, if you like Max Richter, Colleen, Susumu Yokota, and Sylvain Chaveau. Favorite track: Voy.

I've been listening to Julien Neto for a couple of years now, since his debut Le Fumeur De Ciel came out on John Twells' (Xela) beloved Type Records. So it is way overdue for a proper review. Especially since lately the album keeps popping up in my rotations again. Not much is known about an artist producing these surreal, ethereal, insomniac lullabies. We know that Julien lives in Paris, and has produced other [unknown] works under many monikers. The latter is not surprising, since the music on Le Fumeur De Ciel is clearly produced by a season artist. Two tracks on the album feature samples by Keith Kenniff, also known for his work on Type under Goldmund and Helios. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if Neto turned out to be Kenniff's alter ego, but then again, Neto's site is hosted on inpuj_dot_net - home of Proswell. I have confirmed though, that Julien Neto is indeed his real name, and that Kenniff and Neto are different people ;). So really, the mystery behind the real man remains. And the mystery works well with the hazy smoke rising slowly into the sky. The sound is melancholic, cinematic, and without a doubt, modern classical. There is hint of suppressed memory that is bubbling up to the surface in another form of water that can not be turned to tears. The acoustic instruments are in turn consoled by their digital counterparts, within the pieces of a molded program music. Type extrapolates: "Neto based part of the record on the poems of Keats finding a kindred spirit in his deep and moving romanticism." Closing your eyes, you too, will draw on the special images within you. Bring this album back for another spin, if you like Max Richter, Colleen, Susumu Yokota, and Sylvain Chaveau. Favorite track: Voy.

Le Fumeur De Ciel is like a some drifting clouds, floating around in a cold, crisp night sky, stars twinkling through at intervals. Translated roughly as 'The Smoker of Sky', one could imagine taking pieces of the sky and stuffing them in a pipe to be enjoyed, along with this music on a sunday afternoon into evening. Each track has its own hidden surprises, yet all flow together with a coherent voice. The combination of stylistic influences is diverse, but escapes a single classification while maintaining an overall atmospheric feel. Its great to watch as M. Neto fume le ciel. A most enjoyable and interesting album.

When I heard Julien Neto's track "Voy" from the "Cottage Industries 3: Vestibule & Separate" compilation, I new that his album would be something special. Now the album is finally out. "Le Fumeur De Ciel" is an album of eerie, classical sounding compositions of the highest order. If you're looking for something to match Marsen Jules "Herbstlaub" album, then this is it. Best Type release so far IMO.