Roger Eno – The Skies, They Shift Like Chords (Deutsche Grammophon, 2023)
Roger Eno’s The Skies, They Shift Like Chords weaves intricate, mesmerizing piano solos alongside multi-instrumental ambient compositions, including electronic elements, electric guitar, clarinet, vibraphone, and more that add overall depth and dimension.
Among the album’s standout tracks is “Strangely, I Dreamt,” a spellbinding collaboration with ethereal vocalist Cecily Eno, co-written and performed by the talented duo. Notably, Eno invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world where sound and silence dance in harmony.
“Chordal Drift” features lush string chords and subtle melodies. Meanwhile, “Tidescape” is dedicated to the ever-changing landscapes of East Anglia, Roger Eno’s native region. Inspired by local poets and the Norwich School of artists, the album captures the melancholy beauty of the countryside, tinged with a sense of urgency in the face of environmental threats.
“Japanese Rain Garden” and “Mind the Gap” evoke vivid imagery and stirring emotions. Eno’s meticulous attention to detail shines through, creating moments of stillness that allow listeners to reflect and explore their own emotions.
“I think of music in visual terms. Perhaps here the chords could be the earth, the melody the trees rising above ground, and the atmosphere of floating guitar could be the sky. These three elements are different but interconnected.
“Most of my pieces are snapshots of things that were experienced in the moment,” says Roger Eno. “How do you describe the world, unless it’s in an instant? You can’t fix anything because everything is in flux, it’s changing and mutable.”