SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BEATIE WOLFE & BRIAN ENO – LUMINAL

BEATIE WOLFE & BRIAN ENO
LUMINAL
VERVE RECORDS

Luminal is the second of two new albums by Mr. Brian Eno, both of which are collaborations with Beatie Wolfe. Eno has been very busy of late. Since 2024, Brian Eno (producer, musician, artist extraordinaire) has released four albums, five if you count all the EPs. He is adding two more to his catalogue. Wolfe, besides being named UN role model for innovation, has had exhibitions in several prominent art galleries around the world, has worked with REM’s Michael Stipe and DEVO’s Mark Mothersbaugh. She is also part of a research project looking at the positive impact music has on people with dementia. Both of these talented and busy artists found time to collaborate on two albums. Each album is very different, which is why both of the albums are being reviewed separately. While Lateral is an ambient piece, Luminal is a more traditional album full of melodic and beautiful songs.

But keep in mind, this is Eno, with Wolfe, so nothing is straight ahead, and Luminal does not sound like a typical rock or pop album. Wolfe’s vocals are restrained, slow and very patient. When she sings with Eno, the combination is pure magic. Although there are a number of songs, the album flows very thematically, musically. These is sparse, slow, songs with the undertones of ambient. Listen to “Milky Sleep”. It may have vocals, but one can also see how this could be an ambient piece. Songs like “Hopelessly At Ease” harkens back to his Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) album, with new twists and turns, no doubt to Wolfe’s presence.

Songs like “Suddenly” benefit from the two of them dueting on a rather beautiful song. Again, like the rest of the album, it contains layers and takes its time getting across to the listener. That can be said of much of the album. Luminal requires several listens to really appreciate everything that is going on between the two of them. And lyrically, it is remarkably positive and optimistic. “Suddenly, life is so sweet again/Moments of tenderness blending in” sings in an almost childlike way. In fact, much of the album is very positive, and with a title like Luminal (which in this context means lighting or speed of light) is an appropriate title.

Luminal is a very mellow, slow-paced album which, like its companion Lateral, does not need one’s undivided attention, but it is a rewarding experience to listen and focus on the music and lyrics. Eno and Wolfe have created two very different but equally brilliant albums. The two need to be listened to separately and yet they are very much related. Eno and Wolfe complement each other and, like his other collaborations in the past, the two work together beautifully, carefully crafting and layering songs for all to enjoy and explore. There is a lot to explore with Luminal and the treasure is worth the search.

Brian Eno Links

Beatie Wolfe Links