‘Reflection’ Proves Brian Eno Remains the Authority on Ambient Music

Stephanie Hernandez

A self-described “non-musician,” Brian Eno is without a doubt an iconic figure in the electronic music genre. A true pioneer, utilizing a variety of innovative recording techniques, this Brit has helped introduce countless conceptual approaches into the contemporary music landscape. His methodology is rooted in the idea that music is at its best in theory over practicality, a signature that has made him one of popular music’s most influential figures. Continuing the experiment he began seven years ago, his latest record, “Reflection” hits like a crashing yet comforting wave of sound. This ambient triumph is beautifully abstract. It is suggestive of a certain time, place and emotion, but at the end of the day completely open to wondrous interpretation.

The record’s single track signifies just one incarnation of mood in a massive soundscape that includes endless possibilities. Full of loops and lulls, “Reflection” is an otherworldly conceptual dream. A careful set of small algorithmic manipulations fill the room with tasteful inconsistencies that only become apparent at the halfway mark. As the track proceeds and these manipulations continue to build and become more consistent, the listener begins to realize that this abstraction has had a steady foundation and direction. Breaking rules by making formulas appear out of a seemingly chaotic set of sonic waves, Eno is able to create a soft tension that keeps the listener’s attention throughout. The central structure consists of a series of serene resounding chimes, consistently presented by a slow layer of synths, rounded out with the rise then fall of what becomes a distinctive, mid-tempo synthesized melody. Other recurring noises include what sounds like electronic waves pulling into shore, a light remote buzzing and the mechanical automated tones on local public transit. Merging the human and the machine into a synchronized existence is an Eno signature move. Moments of suspense are carefully placed between elongated stretches of meditative drama. The result is one of Eno’s most carefully nuanced and meticulously crafted pieces.

Listening to “Reflection” the listener cannot help but ease into its relaxed repetitive motif. As far as Eno is concerned, musical repetition does not truly exist because in the mind nothing happens the same twice. A study on how the mind perceives and recalls sound, “Reflection” is thus another thoughtful offering from Eno, and quite possibly his strongest and most focused soundscape in recent memory. Expertly crafted to lose yourself in, this record will become the soundtrack to your next wandering daydream.

“Reflection” is on Apple Music Jan. 1.