Review of Erik Wøllo and Byron Metcalf album ‘Earth Luminous’

Erik Wøllo and Byron Metcalf released their album Earth Luminous on May 2. Electro-ambient sounds and trance drumming describe an interesting journey.

 

Erik Wøllo and Byron Metcalf released their album, Earth Luminous, on May 2. This marks the first album the men have collaborated on. Norway-based Wøllo is an electronic ambient musician. However, his background also includes jazz, classical and rock skill sets. Metcalf on the other hand, is a tribal-trance percussionist out of Arizona. He has a deep involvement with psychology as well as spiritual practices – with which his music is closely tied. Together, these two artists have created a fascinating journey for listeners on Earth Luminous.

Earth Luminous begins with “Days of Magic.” As though listeners are watching from within a cave, gentle ambient tones and water droplets open this track. As increasing layers weave through “Days of Magic,” its mood remains meditative. However, enough rhythm is introduced to keep the track from turning sleepy. Shimmering sounds at the end evoke a doorway to the next environment.

The next stop on this journey is in “Light and Ground.” Metcalf’s deep and resonant rhythms guide listeners through this track, while Wøllo’s airy tones create further interest. In the middle, whispering sounds become part of the tapestry. This adds a sense of mysticism before returning to an ethereal sensibility. Both inclinations then entwine, creating a dynamic culmination to the track.

 

 

 

 

Meditation and concentration entwined

As the record continues, listeners move through various scenes – all within a meditative or trance-like realm. Tracks such as “Far Wandered” have a walking sense to them. Faster and more upbeat rhythms mark this tune, with a distinct focus. Something almost foreboding rests beneath the surface and it is difficult not to drum along with “Far Wandered.”

“Valley of Spheres” is an expansive track, with futuristic tones punctuating vaporous melodies. Following, “Distant Future” contains eerie highlights and sparse yet biting accents in a cinematographic piece. “Diomedea” inspires listeners to move with the music, while the title track is swirling and earthy – yet somehow digital.

Earth Luminous concludes with “Linked Stars.” Sparse and ethereal, this feels like the end of an exploration. Leaving listeners back where they were found, water droplets bring the audience full-circle.

 

Byron Metcalf and Erik Wøllo have created an interesting sonic tapestry on Earth Luminous. Each track feels like a distinct chapter in an ongoing quest. While some inspire meditation, others promote active thinking. Listeners will feel as though they completed a great journey by the end of this album.

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