Luminous is an extension of
Mixing Colours, the first duo collaboration between
Roger and
Brian Eno, which was developed over a 15-year period and released in 2020. These seven additional tracks were included with the album's digital "expanded" edition, and issued as a stand-alone vinyl EP. As with the album proper, these pieces were improvised by
Roger using a MIDI keyboard, and
Brian treated them with additional textural effects. None of these recordings would be out of place on the original release -- the mood remains balanced between calm reflection and slight shades of melancholy, and even though the melodies are clear and resonant, the alterations add enough of a sense of mystery to escape familiarity. "Moss" consists of simple, pretty piano notes floating above nothingness, gradually sporting a tail of reverb. "Violet" adds more sustain as well as more of a creeping progression, hinting at darker, more ominous thoughts. "Vermillion" has a more nostalgic tone, and seems like it could come closest to driving someone to tears if they're having a particularly vulnerable moment. "Manganese" is easily one of the EP's loveliest selections, resembling the feeling of floating still and soundlessly on one's back in a swimming pool and luxuriating in the absolute lack of care or worry. "Marble" similarly revels in soft vibrations, extending the weightless sensation for a few minutes longer than the other pieces, while "Pewter" has more of a warm, comforting glow. ~ Paul Simpson
