One of acoustic guitarist Erik Mongrain's YouTube videos (for the song "AirTap!") has generated almost 2 million views in one year's time – no doubt thanks to word of mouth about the Canadian's distinct playing style that involves laying the instrument on his lap and tapping the fret strings with both hands. Playing unaccompanied (save for a MIDI synthesizer) on his debut CD, Fates, Mongrain keeps a rhythmic pace even when he's not "lap tapping." Much of the mesmerizing results can be attributed to harmonics, but these 10 songs – particularly the upbeat ones – are nevertheless irresistible. In fact, the French song titles and loosely translated song-by-song liner notes are more difficult to digest than the music.
Track Listing:
1) PercusienFa
2) Fates
3) La Derniere Pluie
4) Fusions
5) Géométrie d'une Erreur
6) Mais Quand?
7) AirTap
8) Confusion #8
9) Interprétations
10) I Am Not