Eluvium
The first thing I wondered when entering Cafe du Nord on my way to see Eluvium was how the new tracks would translate in a live setting. Now that is a common thought for anyone who’s a fan of an act that has recently released new material. But what about an act that was strictly instrumental for years and then decided to add vocals? That is what Matthew Cooper (aka Eluvium) presented with this year’s deeply emotional Similes. The album itself is worthy addition to his discography filled with haunting soundscapes and slightly uplifting harmonies that match the permeable emotions of his previous efforts. Would it sound as majestic live as the recorded material? I was optimistic.
Benoît Pioulard
Opening was Portland based experimentalist Benoît Pioulard. Displaying similar ambient movements similar to works by Tim Hecker or Dead Texan, Benoît Pioulard created his own atmosphere with his multi-instrumentalist talents and his constant looping and layering of droning sounds and clicks. It set the mood for what was to come and relaxed an already growing crowd.
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[mp3] Benoît Pioulard – Brown Bess from Temper (2008)
Eluvium
Matthew Cooper took the stage solo and started playing the first few songs of Similes, forcing me to make a decision on whether or not I was into this new direction. Luckily, the affect it had on me was fairly positive. While Similes may not be my favorite Eluvium record, it was nice to know songs like Leaves Eclipse the Light translated flawlessly live.
Eluvium
I was digging the new material but it wasn’t until songs like Prelude For Time Feelers and Radio Ballet made their appearance that I started drifting off and truly enjoying the music. I already knew I was an Eluvium fan but when I heard songs from albums like When I Live by the Garden and the Sea and Copia that I started understanding how much I really enjoy Eluvium’s material. Particularly the steady and cinematic build in Prelude For Time Feelers, Eluvium embraces the very simple side of experimental compositions and makes memorable tunes that stay with you.
Eluvium
I don’t think I expected to enjoy myself as much as I did. Maybe it’s because I usually judge performance more than musicianship when it comes to live events. So when something isn’t visually stimulating, my expectations rise when it comes to the music itself. Well those expectations were exceeded.
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[mp3] Eluvium – The Motion Makes Me Last from Similes (2010)
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[mp3] Eluvium – New Animals From The Air from Talk Amongst The Trees (2005)
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[mp3] Eluvium – Prelude For Time Feelers from Copia (2007)