Sixth album from the Labradford trio, who have been defying explanation and expectations since 1993. The group has earned comparisons to Morricone, Gavin Bryars, Ry Cooder and Arvo Part. Wire magazine says 'their melanchol... more »y is enormously seductive'. 4 tracks recorded and mixed with Steve Albini. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.« less
Sixth album from the Labradford trio, who have been defying explanation and expectations since 1993. The group has earned comparisons to Morricone, Gavin Bryars, Ry Cooder and Arvo Part. Wire magazine says 'their melancholy is enormously seductive'. 4 tracks recorded and mixed with Steve Albini. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.
CD Reviews
Killing me softly...
rakola | AUSTIN, TX United States | 06/13/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I always seem to run across David Lynch references when it comes to Labradford, and I guess they're valid...I, however, keep coming back to Michael Mann and his icy-cold, cobalt blue scenes in stark, cautiously decorated white abstract homes containing glass blocks up the wazoo and an ocean view to die for...Labradford create mood music for those who spend their nights contemplating their immediate surroundings...the art on their walls, the person in bed next to them, the way candle light bounces on the ceiling when the candle is placed under an A/C vent...anything, really...Bastard 60's Nashville and surf guitar teamed with brainy electronic blips and waves makes a disturbing and hypnotic team...Opening with an 18 minute-plus piece takes guts, and requires patience...This band's music blooms...it doesn't happen in seconds...it's meant for a solitary listener...If you have the will power to digest this type of aggressively-lazy music, you can sit back and conjure up countless images in your mind to it...Labradford is not for the antsy...nor is it for those who like to read along with lyrics...there are none..."
Wonderful
Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 04/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ever since I met them in Virginia all those years ago, I have been in love with Labradford and the music they make. Their excursions into ambient realms have led to gloriously blissed out lps such as "A Stable Reference," and "E Luxo So." Their newest effort finds our heroes treading new ground, yet doing so their calming, reassuring way. Their cosmic brand of Americana hearkens back the lost days of youth where we could sit and stare at the stars at night and do absolutely nothing otherwise. The sounds of the earth were our companions and we melded with the world around us. Sure, it sounds drippy to an extent to liken Labradford's brand of ambient to such things, but listen to them. Their lp's move wonderfully between the quiet drones of ambience to moments of stillness with the music barely perceptable at all. Much like a summer evening with the occasional cricket chirping to offer music to the landscape of silence.Labradford, as always, succeeds in making their unique brand of ambient music wonderfully satisfying to listen to or to meld with. Another soon to be classic effort by America's foremost masters of ambient music."
A better Festival Of Drifting
Dirk Hugo | Cape Town, South Africa | 05/23/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Those who were disappointed with the rather aimless noodling on Labradford's previous "E Luxo So" album can take heart in the assurance that "fixed::context" is a more focused and considered offering, one which does not forsake the luxuriously amorphous drift that the band has cultivated over many years. Indeed, more attention is focused on longer term development than the absolute value of the music at any one time, and the only value in the moment lies in the resonance generated by notes and textures that appear to hang in mid air. Erik Satie would most certainly approve."
Wide open spaces
Dirk Hugo | 04/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although it seems peculiar to see Labradford and Steve Albini on the same CD in any capacity, the aesthetic combination here has resulted in 4 songs that are distinctly different than what has come before. In short, Labradford has made another disc of beautiful music without repeating themselves. Any fan will find this a wholly worthwhile experience."
As accomplished as everything they have done before.
Dirk Hugo | 03/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is as good as everything they have recorded previously yet it is also different in a way I can't put my finger on. Like listening to a dream. Do yourself a favor."
Track Listings (4) - Disc #1