Stars of the Lid took inspiration from minimalist composers like Gavin Bryars and Louis Andriessen and the stretched out ambient efforts of Brian Eno and Harold Budd. Through a prolific series of releases in the '90s, the duo kept expanding their instrumental sound to sometimes unsettling ends, with sharp abrasive moments balanced by gorgeous washes of melody. Since the '00s, the pair have slowed their output considerably to focus on various solo projects, but their recent work has found them exploring more beautiful sounds with an emphasis on lush string arrangements.