Brian Eno and B. T. Wolf, two of the most influential figures in contemporary soundscape and ambient music, are poised to release "Liminal," the definitive final chapter in their highly experimental sonic trilogy. The highly anticipated launch is scheduled for October 10, 2025. This record marks the culmination of a conceptual journey that began with the earlier installments, "Lateral" and "Luminal." The duo previously defined "Luminal" as music derived from the realm of dreams and categorized "Lateral" as music exploring the vastness of space. Maintaining this abstract thematic approach, Eno and Wolf have now characterized "Liminal" as "dark matter music," suggesting an exploration into the deepest, most subtle, and elusive dimensions of auditory experience, pushing the boundaries of what instrumental composition can convey.
This eleven-track compilation, which includes notable compositions such as "Part of Us," "Ringing Ocean," and "The Last to Know," delves deeply into the duo's unique aesthetic. The entire project is deliberately situated at a conceptual nexus: the precise point where conventional, established song structures meet the complete absence of traditional melody—a state the collaborators have coined "nong," or non-song. This radical positioning is intended as an explicit invitation for listeners to immerse themselves fully in an uncharted and undefined acoustic environment, allowing familiar musical guideposts to dissolve entirely and encouraging a state of deep listening. The fruitful creative partnership between Eno and Wolf, which was first sparked following their joint appearance at SXSW in 2022, continues its rigorous inquiry into the capacity of sound art to elicit previously uncataloged emotional and psychological responses.
To provide a tangible representation of the album's boundary-pushing nature, two key singles have been strategically released ahead of the full album drop. The track "The Last to Know" prominently features B. T. Wolf’s sophisticated vocal performance, dynamically layered over a complex sonic foundation. Conversely, "Ringing Ocean" offers a pure, expansive instrumental ambient composition, demonstrating the breadth of the duo's sonic palette. Functioning as vital connective tissue, these preview tracks successfully bridge the core sensations established in the preceding two parts of the trilogy, effectively guiding the audience toward the new, liminal, or threshold state that the final album embodies. Beyond the digital distribution, the album will be physically released on both eco-friendly CD and standard vinyl formats, emphasizing sustainable production practices.
A particularly compelling element of the release strategy is the introduction of an exclusive physical format: a limited edition pressing on translucent pink bio-vinyl. This highly collectible version will be made available exclusively through the artists' official online store, alongside the widely available standard black vinyl pressing. This careful attention to the physical medium underscores a commitment to conscious material selection, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with their previous creative methods. Notably, the entire three-part series was recorded utilizing a remarkably minimal equipment setup, proving that complexity can arise from simplicity. The core of Eno and Wolf’s artistic process relies heavily on following intuitive, internal impulses, allowing each new sonic layer to organically inform and shape the subsequent one, ultimately creating a deeply personal and protective refuge for the listener's senses.
The artists themselves offer the most succinct explanation of the album’s profound intent, articulating the philosophy behind the work in a compelling statement. They declare: "Liminal is a space where music ceases to be an object. It becomes a state. A breath that connects the stars!" This statement encapsulates the project's ambition to transcend mere auditory entertainment and become a transformative, almost spiritual, experience for those willing to venture into the "dark matter music."