Eluvium creates gorgeous washes of drone, of what sounds like organ, sometimes guitar, lush, warm and analogue, grand yet somehow at the same time personal and introspective. It’s minimalist shoegazing, where small gentle repetitive melodies are allowed to evolve and expand within a larger expanse that continues to grow with a plodding weariness. In this sense there is a certain link to post rock, particularly in terms of those dynamics that creep slowly towards a climax and then slowly disintegrate. What makes Eluvium so impressive though is the warmth of his tones and palette, his ability to utilise elements of the aforementioned styles of music yet still hone something quite distinctive and personal. At times his work is reminiscent of Icelandic experimental ambient outfit Biosphere, at others the now defunct drone merchants If Thousands. It’s the most beautiful considered and emotional feedback you will ever hear that somehow sounds familiar like you’ve known it your whole life, despite the fact that you may be hearing it for the first time. And it’s this emotional warmth that provides the link to Melbourne label Sensory Projects who continue to develop a stable of some of the more beautiful to the ear, yet still strange and experimental sonic exponents that exist on the musical fringes of genres. I don’ know where they found Eluvium, but this two disc introductory set that combines two earlier releases is nothing short of stunning.
Bob Baker Fish
