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Roger Eno & Lol Hammond — Damage
(Thirsty Ear THI66039, 1999, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2000-05-01

Damage Cover art

Roger Eno’s new collaboration with Lol Hammond (ex-Drum Club) is an intelligent mixture of ambient subtlety, slow rhythm tracks, and space music. In fact, it’s surprising how subdued the disc is overall when compared to this Eno’s other collaborative work with Channel Light Vessel or Kate St. John (ex-Dream Academy). Hammond is the modern sampling provocateur adding machination and a warm electronic backdrop wherever it seems to apply. It’s his keen choices as to where to make melodic inference that makes the Damage less than totally destructive. The longest piece on the album, the title track, features a swaying wash intro across a hip-hop rhythm which accentuates the concept. Other tracks which further the cause include “Gerrard St. 4.15” which opens with a precious piano motif intro before closing door entrance into the next piece, “Sky Becomes a Loop.” “Room without Lights” recalls the shimmering tones of Harold Budd and brother Brian’s ambient classic, The Pearl. Unlike the Sylvian / Fripp live album with the same title, this in album of tones and semi-danceable grooves, but not overbearing. Artwork and packaging by Nick Robertson of Wordsalad is topnotch. And just what is that repulsive thing staring at me on the cover? “Lose That Skin” spotlights more of Eno’s moody piano, both dreamy and pretty, until an electronic throbbing underlying rhythmic pulse intercedes. Other tracks such as “Blue Kind of Drug” emote a kind of drifting, evocative soundtrack music. Overall, the disc exudes a modern sense of serenity, peace and calm: textured but with a danceable beat. Soft ambient collectors, add this one to your “to purchase” list.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 19, 1999 releases

Related artist(s): Roger Eno

More info
http://rogereno.bandcamp.com/album/damage

 

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