Christine Ott – Only Silence Remains

A studied enactment of both vision and virtuosity, Only Silence Remains is Christine Ott's latest solo work, following on from her 2009 debut Solitude Nomade. Surprising, perhaps, for an artist with such a deep musical history, but her collaborative instincts have largely taken priority and contributed to the work of Radiohead, Yann Tiersen and Tindersticks over the past two decades.

Here, her singular methodology manifests itself as a lyrical chamber gothic, detailed by piano, strings, minimal percussion and the infamous ondes Martenot: the theramin-like instrument used extensively in recent years by Jonny Greenwood. Ott's compositions are shadowy and minimal, the melodies subtly sketched, and arrangements given space and light. It makes for a set that rewards repeated listens. From the haunting solo piano piece No Memories to the delicate Danse Avec La Neige, Only Silence Remains toys with mood and tone with practiced ease.