Automatic

A short-lived collaboration between keyboardist Roger Eno, guitarist Bill Nelson, and oboist/saxophonist Kate St. John, Channel Light Vessel is more than a new age supergroup. Perhaps it's the influence of St. John (a key member of the underrated Dream Academy), but this is the most pop-oriented album Nelson's been involved with since his early-'80s run of pre-ambient solo records. Some tracks have vocals by Nelson and/or St. John (the opening duet, "Testify," is downright catchy), but even the instrumentals have recognizable melodies and easy-to-grasp structures. Eno's contributions are about evenly split between piano and synthesizers, and his playing is typically excellent; though often overshadowed by his more famous and innovative older brother Brian, Roger is a notable talent in his own right. His jazzy fills in the chattering "Ballyboots" elevate what might have otherwise been an aimless rhythmic exercise into something far more interesting. It's nice to hear Nelson singing again, and his gruff voice fits perfectly with St. John's angelic harmonies. Overall, the placid but not static feeling of Automatic is very much like David Sylvian's post-Japan work, and an excellent addition to all three artists' respective discographies.