Lights A.M – Clouds (Album – Alfa Matrix)
Genre/Influences: Ambient-Electro, Cinematic.
Format: Digital.
Background/Info: One year after the debut album “Stories Without Words” we get the second opus by Lights A.M. This Norwegian project is driven by Erlend Eilertsen -known from Essence Of Mind. Side-Line first covered the “Clouds” album announcement in July 2022.
Content: Lights A.M moves on with the Cinematic/Ambient style of the debut album. The songs have a retro feeling reminding me of Ambient pioneers but also Electro-Pop legends like OMD. The songs are driven by a slow cadence while the major evolution is the addition of vocal parts.
+ + + : This is what I should call a ‘beautiful’ album. Songs that will lead you to dream and bring you to prosperity. It’s a Cinematic experience constructed by vintage sound treatments and melody lines which might remind you of the evasive side of OMD. The addition of vocals is for sure a bonus.
– – – : This album sounds cool for a while but -and just as for the debut album, rapidly starts to repeat itself. I’m missing a climax and/or variation. This album appeals to visual arts to reinforce the sound.
Conclusion: I have mixed feelings listening to this work; great and entertaining music but repeating itself over and over again.
Best songs: “Another Life”, “Wide Awake”, “Right On Time”.
Rate: 7.
Artist: www.lightsaftermidnight.com / www.facebook.com/lightsaftermidnight
Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix
About Lights A.M
Lights A.M is a Norwegian project driven by Erlend Eilertsen, also known for his work with Essence Of Mind. The project debuted with the album “Stories Without Words” before returning with “Clouds” via Alfa Matrix, announced in July 2022 alongside the video for “Another Life“. Later releases have seen the project reissue its first two albums on CD and expand the catalog with the single “Not Ready For This” and a second volume of “Stories Without Words”.
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
