Based on the cover art, False Readings On by Eluvium seems like an album that contains a message about the self. The artwork is minimalistic. It depicts a dissolving black shadow in the centre of an ivory background. Released on September 2, Eluvium’s new album is an emotional rollercoaster. The absence of lyrics allowed me to fill in the gaps, and my thoughts went everywhere.
I find it fascinating how Eluvium can generate so many emotions without saying a word. As an experimental composer, I find that it’s hard to define the band with a single genre. False Readings On includes piano and a lot of electronic sounds while staying true to its minimalistic approach. The album is emotionally lucid, raw, and human.
Eluvium is definitely an acquired taste. I don’t believe this is music that can be enjoyed by everybody, but I do feel that it serves a purpose.
While there’s a sense of spirituality and individuality in the way the music was composed, the songs blur into each other at certain points, and it becomes hard to distinguish them from one another. At times, the album feels a little redundant.
False Readings On provides appropriate study music. It’s also a good album to listen to if you need time to think, as it pushes you to reflect. While some songs are relaxing, some make me think about anxiety and self-doubt. One song can contain many ups and downs, climaxes and resolutions. Each one feels like its own story.
In terms of the progression of the album, the first few songs, such as “Regenerative Being,” are relaxing and slow. Later on, however, things become more intense and chaotic. “Washer Logistics” is significantly more hectic than the average song.
Frankly, the music becomes repetitive near the middle of the album. Moving forward, it becomes calming again, particularly because “Movie Revisited” contains the sounds of crashing waves. The songs after this are pleasant background music, similar to white noise at times. The few remaining songs don’t require your close attention. Yet, if you devote yourself to listening to them, you’ll be given a chance to reflect.
“Individuation” is probably my favorite song on the album; it’s emotional and the piano really affects me. I also enjoy “Strangeworks,” as it seems like a good song to play in the background of a meditation session.
The ending of the album is predictable because of the aforementioned repetition. However, it provides closure to the wave of emotions it invokes throughout. The final song, “Posturing Through Metaphysical Collapse,” is slow and soothing.
False Readings On left me in a fantastic state of mind. Listening to it was a process of renewal. Although parts of the album were unsettling, I finished feeling calm and collected.
