Exposé Online banner

Exposé Online

Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
Covering music from the fringes since 1993.

Reviews

Roger Eno — The Skies, They Shift Like Chords
(Deutsche Gramophon 486 5022, 2023, CD / LP / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2023-10-13

The Skies, They Shift Like Chords Cover art

In general, I prefer music that has energy to it — some kind of motion and pulse — and steer away from slow pieces. That’s “in general,” and Roger Eno’s latest work, The Skies, They Shift Like Chords, is a notable exception. Eno has remarked that when he first started studying piano, he was more fascinated by the tonality of the instrument than by notes, melodies, and rhythms, and this album reflects that fascination grown to maturity. Many of the pieces are centered around the piano, but some of the highlights involve other instruments as well, with judicious use of strings, electric guitar, clarinet, bass clarinet, vibraphone, flute, organ, and subtle electronic sounds. In the same way that the ringing overtones of the piano are explored, the other instruments are sometimes used in unconventional ways, though never in a harsh or unpleasant way. Often, he started with moody improvisations, which he then worked into compositions, keeping the original spirit of sonic discovery. While there’s much less adherence to form than is found in Erik Satie’s famous piano pieces, there is a similar use of space and willingness to let less be more. This is infused with a modern sensibility not far removed from composers like Max Richter — though of course Roger Eno has been doing this sort of thing since before Richter’s career began. These are the musical equivalents of gauzy watercolor paintings when compared to the fussy detail of digital photographs or realistic oil paintings. One track that breaks the mold is “Strangely, I Dreamt,” which features lovely vocals from Cecily Eno (Roger’s oldest daughter). This beautiful song reminds me a bit of a Mike Oldfield song, with folky turns to the melody and a backing of legato strings. If you’ve ever sat at a piano in a quiet room, played a note or two, and just listened to how the overtones shift as the sound decays, you’ll find a home with Roger Eno’s music, and this new album is a quiet joy to experience.

Filed under: New releases, 2023 releases

Related artist(s): Roger Eno

More info
http://store.deutschegrammophon.com/p51-i0028948652693/roger-eno/the-skies-they-shift-like-chords/index.html

 

What's new

These are the most recent changes made to artists, releases, and articles.