For her new album, Charlotte Gainsbourg has enlisted the producing talents of singer/songwriter Beck, resulting in an unusual and very affecting set of songs. The sound here is quite different from her previous effort, 5.55, which seemed at times a little derivative of her father Serge’s music. In contrast, on IRM, a darker tone is conveyed.

Directly influenced by Gainsbourg’s recent medical experiences, the title track generates an urgent and slightly sinister mood, as Gainsbourg’s vocals compete with some highly percussive drumming. Gainsbourg’s breathless vocal delivery is well complemented by Beck’s edgy production, and the album reveals a maturity in Gainsbourg’s writing and singing skills.