Brian Allen Simon, who goes by his musical persona “Anenon”, is no stranger to fans of experimental jazz. His previous albums, Petrol(2016) and Tongue(2018), drew inspiration from vastly different genres ranging from modern classical to electronic dance music. Anenon is also known for integrating noise music into his work using field recordings from a variety of environments.
Petrol was inspired by LA traffic, and Tongue was inspired by the scenic mountains of Tuscany. Similarly, Anenon’s newest album, Moons Melt Milk Light, derives its sounds from a plethora of sceneries, including Maine, London, Auvergne and his hometown of Los Angeles. Moons Melt Milk Light represents a clear diversion from Simon’s usual style as he ditches electronic music in favour of an acoustic sound.
On the first track, Untitled Skies, Anenon uses a reedy and dissonant playing style with his saxophone before giving way to a smoother and more melodic piano solo. The latter half of the track induces a reverie as Anenon masterfully incorporates birdsong and the sounds of footsteps in gravel alongside the piano. Yet the saxophone introduction remains in your mind as a reminder that this is not just another easy listening playlist.
Anenon segues beautifully from Untitled Skies to Moons Melt Milk Light, the titular track. This is a haunting and poignant piece that begins with a piano section that almost sounds uplifting. But that gives way to the saxophone as Anenon sets the tone with an almost sinister drone. The initial piano motif is repeated, but it takes on a completely different form when coupled with the saxophone.
Champeix stands out among the other tracks on this album for a multitude of reasons. The first is its creative use of the sound of falling rain as an introduction that gives way to a piano solo where the notes are played so fluidly that they, too, feel like raindrops. Anenon expertly plays with the listener’s emotions as he blends an expressive tenor sax section into the piano performance and reintroduces the rain as the piece concludes.
The final track, Sightless Eyes, is a culmination of all the techniques that Anenon explored previously on his album. The chirping birds are followed by a mellow, melodic piano solo. The bass clarinet joins in, adding depth and character. The raspy saxophone you are so used to now enters with renewed vigour. These sounds blend to put an end to Anenon’s latest masterpiece.
At first glance, Moons Melt Milk Light seems like a simple and straightforward acoustic album. But this is just a facade that hides a poignant and expressive work that evokes your deepest emotions. This album shows Anenon at his artistic best, demonstrating both his creative genius and maturity as a composer.
