Brian Eno "Lux"

drone on · December 03, 2012, 11:38:10 PM

Any first impressions? I keep reading "return to form" in reviews. This would be nice if true.

Anodize DB · December 04, 2012, 09:38:49 AM

Quote from: drone on on December 03, 2012, 11:38:10 PM
Any first impressions? I keep reading "return to form" in reviews. This would be nice if true.

Mixed emotions. "Return to form" might be applicable, but for me it's more of a textural issue than anything else; what sounds he incorporates to keep the work's existence interesting. The piece utilizes subtle electronic bits that cycle & eddy, with intermittently looped 'bell' sounds. I probably need to give this a few more spins, but can't say I was particularly impressed with this new long-form ambient outing. (In all fairness, the piece originated as a static sound installation, so context here is critical to one's appreciation.)

ffcal · December 04, 2012, 09:51:54 AM

I've only heard it once or twice but like it so far. It's not Music For Airports 2--probably closer to Shutov Assembly in sound with a bit of sparse Thursday Afternoon piano thrown for god measure and the occasional violin sound. This first edition comes with 4 prints (much like the early LP edition of Before and After Science)--a nice bonus.

Forrest

judd stephens · December 04, 2012, 04:53:18 PM

here you go, have an impression:

Brian Eno - Lux - Full Album 2012

mystified · December 04, 2012, 05:06:14 PM

I agree with the "Shutov" comparisons. The mood is at times very bleak-- not as warm and blissed-out as "Thursday Afternoon". It's a bit cold and bitter-sounding. But it is definitely Eno, recognizably so. There is a lot going on in the pieces, plenty to listen to.

petekelly · December 05, 2012, 02:27:49 AM

A return to form, I'd say. Some odd occasional atonalities, but definitely 'his sound'. (I'm currently at 40 minutes-ish)

For all the focus on his theorising and cultural musings (which are starting to eclipse his recent musical offerings ?), he can still create a pure, beautiful sound - shut up and play yer piano, Brian ! :)

Poaalpina · December 05, 2012, 04:07:51 AM

BTW, his first limited SHM-CD.

ffcal · December 05, 2012, 09:50:21 AM

Quote from: mystified on December 04, 2012, 05:06:14 PM
It's a bit cold and bitter-sounding. But it is definitely Eno, recognizably so.

Yes, I agree. It's not a warm analogue-y recording like Thursday Afternoon, and the synthesizer sounds are even a little dry (maybe Lanois should have co-produced this one). I think it has more in common with his installation CDs, like Compact Forest Proposal, which also sneaks a little dissonance here and there.

Forrest

drone on · December 08, 2012, 06:36:03 PM

I was shocked to discover I really love this album. This is the kind of minimal delicate stuff I've been longing to hear from Eno again. And I really like the moog guitar (Leo Abrahams) and violins (done by Nell Catchpole,who was on Michael Brook's awesome "Cobalt Blue" release). Beautiful and relaxing, and distinctively Eno. Well worth purchasing if you don't have it yet!