Brian Eno is MORE DARK THAN SHARK

INTERVIEWS, REVIEWS & RELATED ARTICLES

Classic Pop AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 - by Andy Jones

BRIAN ENO AND KARL HYDE: HIGH LIFE

When über-producer Brian Eno and Underworld's Karl Hyde got together this year for Someday World, the result was surprising - a catchy, perfectly arranged exploration of dynamic pop. The pair continued to work together, and new album High Life is the result. It's no outtakes collection, either. Opening track Return is a nine-minute builder, full of moody yet simple textures, riffs and vocals; sadly, the funk-laden second track DBF sounds like a bunch of audio samples left triggering at different points while the two were taking tea on EEno's veranda. Time To Waste It takes some of Someday World's knack of making the unworkable work with wobbly vocals combining with simple loops and some exceptional atmospheres and effects. Lilac continues the loopy, repetitive beats and vocals - apparently there's a Glass/Reich influence - and weaves them into a fabulous song. Moulded Life goes slightly off the rails, but final track Cells & Bells restores some sonic calm with more emphasis on vocal ambience than audio trickery. If you enjoyed the duo's first outing, there's enough here to continue your journey - although with just six tracks we'd surely expect it to be a cut-price ticket.