Terry Riley, a pioneer in minimalist and experimental music, presents a captivating journey through sound with his album "Les Yeux Fermés / Lifespan." Released on April 24, 2007, under the label Elision Fields, this album is a unique blend of minimalism, avant-garde, experimental, drone, and ambient genres, spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes.
The album is a soundtrack to two films: "Les Yeux Fermés" by Joël Santoni and "Lifespan" (Le Secret de la Vie). Despite the 1972 score for "Les Yeux Fermés" not gaining much attention due to its lack of release in the U.S. and absence of subtitles or dubbing, Riley's compositions offer a rich, immersive experience. The tracks, such as "Journey From The Death Of A Friend," "Happy Ending," and "Slow Melody In Bhairavi," showcase Riley's mastery in creating evocative soundscapes that are both intricate and soothing.
Riley's work on this album is a testament to his innovative approach to music, making it a compelling addition to any music enthusiast's collection. The album's blend of genres and Riley's distinctive style make "Les Yeux Fermés / Lifespan" a standout piece in his discography.
Vinylscout