Gilbert and Lewis: 3R4 (1980/CAD 16)

         The second album released on 4AD, in October 1980, was by the former Wire Members, Bruce Gilbert and Graham Lewis, this time under the their own names instead of Cupol. This four track album features two long drone, instrumentals, called 3.4 and R respectively, separated by two short tracks called Barge Calm.
         The album, itself is fairly similar to Eno's Ambient 4 in intentions, creating a mood without a melody or chords. While this album isn't as amazing as that record, it does succeed in taking me somewhere, which in this case is some rainy new england coast seaside. The short Barge Calm tracks are practically identical consisting of metallic shaker type instruments. 3.4 begins with a two note ostinato with some added metallic sounds throughout the track. Around 7 minutes, the sounds lessen and a bass guitar with a fog horn sounding synth takes over. Then marimba like percussion followed by ambient guitar sounds are added. The whole track has somewhat of a menacing feel to it, but a rather subtle menace, behind a cloudy surface.
             The Track R is abit longer and makes me think of a nearby industrial ship ward, with hard guitar scratches, a vocal synth drone, some low metallic sounds. Around 8 minutes, with additional vocal synths and low bass sounds, reaches the climax of the album, this synth choir continues till the end with towards 18 minutes some introduced distant wooden percussion. It's a beautiful ending to a drifting, atmospheric album that while not that memorable, is decent while listening to nonetheless.

Rating: 3/5