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LOUIS: DREAMS NEVER DIE
by Metaphrog with Hey and Múm

(£8.99 UK / $14.99 US / €14.99, Metaphrog)

Reviewed by Heath Row

Another beautifully produced book from Franco-Scottish comics duo Metaphrog, this 52-page work is a graphic album in the best way possible: The lushly colored story comes complete with a CD or 7-inch record containing music by Hey and Múm courtesy of FatCat Records.

First, the book. Equally charming à la Mark Crilley's Akiko, simple à la Tom Hart, and visually surreal à la Jim Woodring, the story follows Louis' search for his aunt, who suddenly stops writing him letters. After a series of dreams, Louis ventures forth into the "pathways" to track down where his aunt lives. Encountering a robot insectiform, a mysterious postman, a stylized Hitler, and a young girl who leads Louis to his destination, Louis seeks to understand why he feels lonely even when he's not alone. I don't always fully understand where Metaphrog is going or what they're doing, but their work is delightfully serene and gentle while remaining darkly comic.

On to the CD. Featuring music as well as some animation, the disc features three audio tracks. Hey's "Dreams Never Die" is a clattering, meandering number featuring piano, breathy singing in French, and a sense of spatial density. Múm's version of the piece is only slightly more electronic in nature, blending glib blurbles and post-New Age soundscapes. The multitracked vocals on this number are astounding. You can see the animation — with a soundtrack by Hey and Múm — at www.louisandfc.com.

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