SMALL CRAFT ON A MILK SEA

New Brian Eno album is his debut on once Nightmares on Wax and Aphex Twin home label London-based Warp. World premiere of this release happened in Japan mid- October,what shows openly what the label see as main album's market. Album is recorded by Eno as trio with guitarist Leo Abrahams and keyboardist Jon Hopkins.

From the very first sounds you understand,that this album's music is usual Eno's ambient electronics,but I was a bit afraid of some new age touches in the sound. After few songs were listened I began to feel more comfortable though - yes, new Eno album is quite accessible (in moments) mix of ambient,techno rhythms, even few new age licks, but generally it's just a collection of electronic improvs. Not too much "out " from casual listener's field of interest, but never too dance able or commercial.

There are plenty of rhythms,some guitar licks and piano sound over Eno's electronic/ ambient constructions, so music is not too much abstract , but from other hand melodies and tunes for sure weren't too important for this album. Trio concentrates on soundscapes, textures and atmosphere more than on songs structures or melodies. It's interesting to hear how three mostly electronic musicians play jams - much more usual musical forms for acoustic or electric jazz or rock musicians.

Album in whole is possible not very dynamic, but happily there are enough different rhythms, musical variations not to be boring even for listener,different from electronic ambient fan. Some compositions sound as Games soundtracks, other - as soundtracks,but for movies.

Not revolution, this release is more evolutionary step,compilation of Eno's musical ideas of some latest years in one place, released in quite accessible and attractive form.

Japanese release contains 16-th bonus track " Invisible" - classic minimalist ambient composition with liquid sound, almost-nature sounds and cool melancholic piano touches somewhere on the background. It looks, there will be many different this album versions released later. Possibly, one of most pleasant release of mainstream ambient electronic music this year.

My rating is 3 +,rounded to 4.