Review / 200 Words Or Less
Son Lux
At War with Walls and Mazes

Anticon (2008) Michael

Son Lux – At War with Walls and Mazes cover artwork
Son Lux – At War with Walls and Mazes — Anticon, 2008

Son Lux is the working project of one man, Ryan Lott, a multi-talented musician and artist. At War with Walls and Mazes is his debut full-length and over the course of it he dabbles in various worlds of experimental music.

At War with Walls and Mazes can be described in simplest forms as experimental as throughout the album, Lott pursues different sound avenues. Elements of pop, hip-hop, classical, and many others are twisted and contorted into a sound all its own. If you were to take Radiohead's Kid A and Beck's Sea Change, you'd be along the right lines. Some songs take more to the avant-garde leanings of the music world, while others are more traditional. Some are more upbeat; others more slow moving. "Betray" is a good example of what you can expect from the album; the song is mainly comprised of simple programmed beats and a smooth bassline as Lott repeats the lyrics in soft harmonies.

At War with Walls and Mazes is a great album to put on when you just want to relax and have something soothing and enjoyable to listen to. It's not bombastic, but it is also not boring. It's just right.

7.0 / 10Michael • February 14, 2008

Son Lux – At War with Walls and Mazes cover artwork
Son Lux – At War with Walls and Mazes — Anticon, 2008

Related news

Son Lux Preps New EP

Posted in Records on January 27, 2010

Son Lux - "Break" Video

Posted in Videos on February 1, 2008

Son Lux To Release Debut LP

Posted in Records on January 8, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

Rufio

From The Outside
Double Felix Records, Double Helix Records (2026)

“Rufio?! Like from back in the day Rufio?” Those were the words out of my mouth while claiming my next review. I wore out Perhaps, I Suppose as a teenager and my curiosity piqued. It has been 25 years since that album was released and 16 years since we have heard from Rufio at all. Regardless of these facts, we … Read more

Oddfellows

Oddfellows
Dirtnap, Wild Honey Records (2026)

The self-titled album from Oddfellows was a long time coming. As in, the band formed in 1994. Now in 2026, they return with founding members Chris Pulliam, Mark Ryan, and Mike Throneberry, plus new addition Peter Salisbury to release their debut album just 32 years later. This lineup means you're going to get a Marked Men reference right away, but … Read more

Cel Ray

Cel Rayzer
Exploding In Sound Records (2026)

I don’t remember how, but I stumbled across Chicago’s Cel Ray in 2023 on the heels of their debut EP, Cellular Raymond. I was immediately hooked. After another EP and a single, the band finally brings us their debut long player, Cel Rayzer. To no surprise, it’s excellent. Cel Ray plays a brand of post-punk that’s lo-fi and streamlined. Singer … Read more