There are two sides to Chris Hughes. There’s the notable producer of others’ records, most famously Adam & The Ants – with whom he also played drums - and Tears For Fears, and other famous names. And there’s the occasional composer of modern experimental music at odds with that line of work, such as the sublime piano ruminations of his new album Eirenic Life, six tracks of deep emotional engagement, from brooding to wistful and even a little agitating, Hughes reckons; from a richly expressive 13-minute piece to a 47-second miniature, united by a desire to locate a place of calm...

Back in the '80s I was a huge Adam & The Ants fan. It was the first band I followed when I started being interested in music, so I was keen to hear what Chris Merrick Hughes, who was the band's drummer and co-writer of some of the early hits, musical style would sound like all these years later.

I can tell you one thing, I wasn't expecting this. This doesn't sound like the sort of music an experimental neo-classical musician and post-punk forebearer would compose. This is more like the work of a classically trained musician who has spent his entire life crafting his art to deliver a beautifully honed and meticulously performed laid back classical masterpiece.

The album contains 6 tracks (39 min, 27 sec) of modern classical music. From the very first note to the last, this is a flawless work of reflective, beautiful pieces which will lift your heart and touch your soul. If I had to pick the one track that stood out, it would have to be 'The Girl With The Jesus Towel', which starts a little chaotic before building into easily this album's most memorable and heart-wrenchingly beautiful theme.

9

Darren Rea