Labradford - E Luxo So (1999)
E Luxo So features sparse, ambient instrumental post-rock that is best appreciated behind a book and a smooth glass of wine. It's mostly methodical piano, ethereal organ, and strings over bass and drums, accented by found / electronic sounds and effects* and the occasional dulcimer. It varies quite a bit in mood, at moments sounding foreboding, sweet, somber and introspective. This album is all about textures, and while it's somewhat more melodic than, say, Brian Eno's Music for Airports, it's very, very slow. Despite being essentially minimalist, the music is quite intricate and features subtly complex patterns, making it worth something more than mere background music. Still, it is not overtly grabbing and subject to accusations of being soporific. Some might say the most interesting thing Labradford has done here is to use track names as a broken up paragraph of album credits - track five, for example, is "And Jonathan Morken. Photo Provided By." Whether that's clever or too cutesy probably falls entirely with whether you like the disc or not. Intriguing if not mind-blowing, E Luxo So will probably sit somewhere on the boring-cinematic spectrum for you, which makes it difficult to rate one way or the other. I find it a soothing, quality work, but take that as you will.
* - Note that some of these are scratches, high pitched squeals and record pops. It's not all about the soothing, chill-out, people.
Status: Recommended (solid)
Nyet's Fave: "With John Morand And Assisted By Brian Hoffa."
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