Following a break of almost three years since the release of her debut album, French pianist / composer Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch returns with the stunning "Époques", her sophomore album for FatCat's pioneering 130701 imprint. Witnessing an increased assurance and dynamism in both Emilie's playing and composing, "Epoques" marks a big step forward for the London-based artist. A bold and adventurous album that alternates between passages of emotive, sinuous solo piano; stirring compositions for viola and cello and some beautifully sprawling electronics, it has been masterfully pieced together to further reveal a unique and intelligent sense of artistry, and a composer who really does deserve your full attention. "Époques" is a deep, forceful, at times difficult, listen - a true shifting through the various registers of emotion, from dark to light. Whilst fans of artists like Max Richter, Dustin O'Halloran and Jóhann's Jóhannsson ought to surely find much to love in this album, and parallels may be found to a progressive new breed of female peers like Claire M Singer, Lucy Railton and labelmate Resina, it is a record that genuinely sees its maker finding her own space, fully formed and conclusively set aside from peers and influences.