Cox, Ben

Artist: Ben Cox
P: 2020
Consciousness, and other tricks of the light is an adventurous expedition through the musicality of synthesizers and electronics. Thoughtfully conceived and executed, this second album by sound explorer Ben Cox offers an enthralling listening experience infused with contemplative moments and pleasant surprises. The album achieves a delicate balance as its six tracks capture the essence of moods that range from extreme stillness to dynamic motion, combining closed-eye tranquility with ear-opening revelations. Through a combination of programming, software, and modular synthesis, Cox crafts his compositions with a sonic skill that lights up the mind and soothes the soul, delivering a thoughtful blend of analog and digital synthesis – occasionally augmented by electronic percussion and electric guitar – that maintains a fascinating chemistry across the whole of the project. Sincere and unpretentious, Consciousness, and other tricks of the light is presented with precision and purpose; a compelling musical event rippling across the neurons as it spirals deeper into the mind.

Artist: Ben Cox
P: 2004
The music on "On Water" rejects the notion that music must make a narrative statement, and instead embraces the idea of music as an organized sonic experience. These pieces are not portraits; they are rather landscapes or still-lifes. These subtle, minimal treatments are reminiscent of Brian Eno's "Music for Airports" and Eno and Jon Hassell's "Fourth World" music. Ben's multi-instrumental talents shine through in this shimmering, floating body of work.