Brian Eno is MORE DARK THAN SHARK

INTERVIEWS, REVIEWS & RELATED ARTICLES

Epigram NOVEMBER 19, 2012 - by Thomas Holcroft

BRIAN ENO: LUX

Brian Eno is a familiar name to some for his production and writing credits with the likes of David Bowie, U2 and Coldplay, but it is for his pioneering work in the ambient genre that he is truly revered. Eno is to ambient music what Bob Marley is to reggae: a starting point which most people never seem to look past. This is of course a shame, considering the wealth of incredible music that goes unlistened in both genres, but the two are well-loved for good reason. Eno's ambient music spans four decades in time, and just about every mood imaginable in tone. 1978's Ambient 1: Music For Airports is at once lethargic and epic, whereas 1982's Ambient 4: On Land is as dark and bleak an experience as music can give you.

As you'd expect, new release Lux has a feel all of its own. Piano and tuned percussion fall lightly upon a bed of synths and strings to create an autumnal, melancholic mood that conveys the passing of time with aching beauty. The release date is no coincidence: this is music to watch leaves fall by. If you haven't tried ambient before, listening to Lux this November could be the perfect introduction. At the very least, it may induce the most blissful sleep you've had in years.