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Originally Posted by takenbythesky
Here is what All Music Guide, which lists him as a percussionist, has to say about Brian Larsen:
"Biography by Greg Prato
Born in Laurel, MD, multi-instrumentalist Brian Larsen became infatuated with music at an early age via MTV and a small hand-me-down keyboard from his older brother. Eventually taking formal piano lessons, Larsen alternated between the keys, guitar, and drums, which lead to penning original compositions. In 1996, Larsen formed Twilights Moon along with friend Trevor Hunter, resulting in such releases as 1998's Pi, 1999's Classics, 2000's Slope, and 2001's ClockWork (the latter of which contained a song co-written with ex-Fleetwood Mac leader Lindsey Buckingham, to whom the album is dedicated). Larsen also founded the record label Protocol. "
All Music Guide's review of The Slope:
"Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
The Slope, Brian Larsen's first foray into the breach under the name Twilights Moon, is a rough-hewn, homemade pop record with progressive inclinations, as evocative as it is frustrating. To his credit, Larsen doesn't hesitate to paint on a grand scale, something missing from many artists of his time, from major leaguers to minor leaguers, but he lacks the focus to truly bring it all together. He is certainly trying for something ambitious, particularly since the album is essentially an instrumental neo-suite, flowing from piano-oriented to guitar-oriented instrumental sections, then delving into large drum solos. Halfway through, vocals appear, but they're so far buried in the mix that they're hardly leads — they're more like another fabric in the sonic favorite. Larsen probably does have some good ideas here — you can hear glimpses of what he's trying to get at it if you stick at it long enough — but it takes a lot of patience to hear what he's trying to do, particularly because there is almost no rhythm here as he flails away at his drums. The end result isn't quite the provocative instrumental pop suite that he intended it to be, but more like sub-pop cacophony, filled with imprecise leads, uneven tape synchs, but, most damagingly, an insular worldview that's almost impossible for outsiders to accept. For even the most patient listeners with the refined tastes, this is a bit of a trying, even headache-inducing, listen. Fortunately, he got a lot better the next time around." (1 and 1/2 out of 5 stars)
All Music Guide's review of Clockwork:
"Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Within the liner notes of his second full-length record as Twilights Moon, Brian Larsen dedicates Clockwork to Lindsey Buckingham, "who is still the best musician ever." Larsen doesn't just draw sustenance from Buckingham's music, he uses it as direct inspiration, adapting "The Ledge" for the album's opening track, "I Have My Doubts." In case you're not familiar with that track, it's from the first side of Fleetwood Mac's Tusk, perhaps the most extreme and, for connoisseurs, best example of Buckingham's talents. Larsen picks up on the warped, hyper-sensitive pop genius running rampant through Tusk, filters it through a love of new wave and an indie rock lo-fi sensibility to create a truly fascinating indie pop album. Make no mistake about it — this is a passionate labor of love, created by somebody so obsessed with idiosyncratic pop records he decided to make one of his own. His ambition is admirable and his achievements often are. He falls prey to many of the faults of a homemade recordmaker — frankly, he could use a real drummer or a drum machine to give the music a needed sense of stability — and the sonics are often thick with a four-track haze, but the music itself is intriguing. After all, there is a reason why Larsen dedicates the record to Buckingham, since he shares the same desire to twist McCartneyesque piano ballads, folky acoustic tunes, and Brian Wilson-inspired studio craft into personal expression. He may not be as accomplished as his idol — few are — but the result is an original, intriguing work that suggests Larsen is on his way to developing his own distinctive voice." (Three out of five stars)
Note: the tracklisting for Clockwork does not include "Steal Your Heart Away."
EDIT: at bottom of the Amazon page, interestingly enough--
*The Best Albums of All Time: A list by Brian C. Larsen
*Brian Larsen's Favorites, Volume II: A list by Brian C. Larsen
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