By Marshal Henshaw and Emily Walker
Tiktok by Joseph D’Ambrosio
Fridges in Sheffield’s Ecclesall Road Co-op were heard echoing the sounds of Brian Eno’s ambient music on Wednesday.
The sounds emanating from the shop’s fridges have gone viral on social media – with one tiktok user describing them as ‘’angelic.’’ This has seen the noises compared to Brian Eno’s Ambient 1: Music for Airports.
The musician’s album was designed to make public spaces like airports less stressful, aiming to create a calm, reflective atmosphere.
Others took to Reddit to discuss the shop’s bizarre noise. One Redditor said it reminded them of ‘‘an interdimensional heavenly choir,’ whilst another said ‘‘it sounds more like a synthesised human voice.’’
Joe Paramore, Sheffield resident said: “In my store the chiller makes a lawn mower sound so if you want a taste of summer get in touch.”
Not all the reactions to the musical fridges were positive though. Some Sheffield residents took to facebook, outraged that the fridges even made the news.
Bethany Bradshaw said: “Breaking news. We have run out of news.”
Tracey Peckett added: “Sounds like the fridge is packing in.”
The peculiar sounds have prompted some serious discussion though. One anonymous Redditor said: “There needs to be more ambient spaces in public, and I hope that retailers are taking note of this.”
Despite some negative comments, for some, the music from these Sheffield fridges is a reminder to acknowledge the surprising beauty in the world.