Before the Day Breaks

"Before the Day Breaks" is a captivating collaboration between Robin Guthrie and Harold Budd, released on June 15, 2007, under the label Soleil Après Minuit. This album is a mesmerizing blend of ambient, drone, space music, and dream pop, spanning a concise yet immersive 43 minutes. Guthrie, known for his work with Cocteau Twins, and Budd, a pioneer in ambient music, create a sound that is both ethereal and deeply evocative.

The album features nine tracks, each a delicate interplay of subtle textures and haunting melodies. Standout pieces like "How Close Your Soul" and "She is My Weakness" showcase the duo's mastery of creating atmospheric soundscapes that linger long after the music fades. "Before the Day Breaks" is often paired with its companion album "After the Night Falls," both of which were co-composed and produced by Guthrie and Budd. Together, these albums form a cohesive exploration of sound, evoking a sense of tranquility and introspection.

Fans of ambient and drone music will appreciate the intricate layers and subtle nuances that Guthrie and Budd weave throughout the album. "Before the Day Breaks" is a testament to the power of minimalism and the beauty of understated elegance in music. Whether you're a long-time admirer of Guthrie's work or a newcomer to the ambient genre, this album offers a serene and enchanting listening experience.