Tweet

Album Details

• Artist: Eluvium
• Album: Copia
• Label: Temporary Residence
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2007-02-02

Eluvium, aka Matthew Cooper, is out to change the face of neo-classical music with Copia. It reminds me slightly of something composer Gavin Bryars would do. If you are unfamiliar with his work it is gentle and sprawling, sometimes very dark (The Sinking of the Titanic) but lovely and very appealing. Eluvium has accomplished something divine with songs like "Indoor Swimming At The Space Station", a 10 minute epic. It is hypnotic and enthralling all at the same time. Matthew uses almost every instrument that a traditional symphony would use. Rarely a guitar hits your ears on this album.

You can find a lovely piano track with "Prelude For Time Feelers". I can see this track being used in a movie in which a long, soul seeking roadtrip takes place. It uses synths slightly to make the sound a little larger than just piano. "Radio Ballet" is my favorite piano piece on Copia though. Hmm, on second thought "Reciting The Airships" is absolutely beautiful as well. Then, as Cooper does so well, he ties it up with the wonderful closing track "Repose In Blue", based on the intro song "Amreik" but with fireworks celebrating his success.

So be forewarned, if you don't like instrumental or classical music stay far away from Eluvium. You probably aren't man enough for this. On the other hand, if you like moody instrumental music to put on either in the background in the evening or to fade away to then Copia will appeal. As for Eluvium fans, Copia is Cooper's best work to date. For me it replaces An Accidental Memory In The Case Of Death as my favorite album by Matthew.

User Reviews and Comments

Log In or Register to Rate Albums