"Lateral," the second part of Brian Eno's collaborative double-album project with Beatie Wolfe, is a sonic exploration that defies easy categorization. Released on June 6, 2025, via Verve Records, this album is a testament to Eno's enduring influence and innovation in the realms of ambient, art rock, krautrock, minimalism, drone, glam rock, and space music. Spanning eight meticulously crafted tracks, "Lateral" invites listeners into a world where feeling takes precedence over mood, creating an immersive experience that is both introspective and expansive.
The album's eight tracks, collectively titled "Big Empty Country," are not merely songs but sonic landscapes that evolve and shift over the course of an hour and four minutes. Each part of "Big Empty Country" offers a unique perspective, yet they seamlessly blend into a cohesive whole, much like the panoramic views of an ever-changing landscape. Eno's signature ambient textures are present, but they are interwoven with elements of glam rock and krautrock, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
"Lateral" is the result of a creative partnership between two visionary artists. Brian Eno, known for his pioneering work in ambient music and his influential production credits, joins forces with Beatie Wolfe, a conceptual artist renowned for her innovative approach to music and visual art. Together, they have created an album that is as much a work of art as it is a collection of songs.
Recorded in London, "Lateral" is centered around the concept of "art and feelings," exploring the intersection of visual and auditory experiences. The album's cover art, like the music within, is a visual representation of the themes and ideas that inspired its creation. "Lateral" is not just an album; it is a journey through sound and sensation, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a celebration of the boundless possibilities of music.