Luminous＜Yellow Vinyl＞

Luminous is an extension of Mixing Colours, the first duo collaboration between Roger and Brian Eno, which was developed over a 15-year period and released in 2020. These seven additional tracks were included with the albums digital expanded edition, and issued as a stand-alone vinyl EP. As with the album proper, these pieces were improvised by Roger using a MIDI keyboard, and Brian treated them with additional textural effects. None of these recordings would be out of place on the original release -- the mood remains balanced between calm reflection and slight shades of melancholy, and even though the melodies are clear and resonant, the alterations add enough of a sense of mystery to escape familiarity. Moss consists of simple, pretty piano notes floating above nothingness, gradually sporting a tail of reverb. Violet adds more sustain as well as more of a creeping progression, hinting at darker, more ominous thoughts. Vermillion has a more nostalgic tone, and seems like it could come closest to driving someone to tears if theyre having a particularly vulnerable moment. Manganese is easily one of the EPs loveliest selections, resembling the feeling of floating still and soundlessly on ones back in a swimming pool and luxuriating in the absolute lack of care or worry. Marble similarly revels in soft vibrations, extending the weightless sensation for a few minutes longer than the other pieces, while Pewter has more of a warm, comforting glow. ~ Paul Simpson