I was dying to download Bloom when I first heard about it a few months ago. A music app by Brian Eno? Who wouldn’t want it?

Bloom is a music unique music app designed by Brian Eno and software designer Peter Chilvers that allows you to create melodies by tapping on the screen. If you leave Bloom idle a generative music player takes over compositional duties.

When you open Bloom you are presented with a menu that asks you to listen or create. In create mode you compose melodies by tapping the screen. You do this while you are accompanied by an undeniable Enoesque bed of warm pads. This makes it really special because you feel like you are jamming with Brian Eno. Your tapped rhythm and intervals are repeated and then slowly fade away. The higher on the screen you tap, the higher the note.

The many options are accessible by tapping the arrow on the lower right corner of the iPhone. You can change several settings in Bloom including:

- 9 different mood settings
- Random mood shuffle
- Adjustable delay
- Shake to clear
- Evolve when idle

I like to tap out a melody and then go into Bloom’s settings while that loop is playing and choose different moods as the melodies are repeating. I actually did this the entire time I wrote this review… with my AKG K240 headphones plugged in, and it was very relaxing. Also, try tapping with more than one finger at the same time to make a chord. I found that 2 fingers at once works really well.

I have used Bloom for hours at a time on several different occasions, and whether I am actively tapping away trying to create cool little melodies, or simply letting it generate it’s own music, it feels fresh and relaxing every time… and actually gives me lots of musical ideas, too. I highly recommend this little gem.

::App Store Page:: $3.99
::Web::