Review of new Steve Roach album 'Shadow of Time'

On Aug. 19, Steve Roach released his new album Shadow of Time. This ambient-electronic record explores expansive and immersive soundscapes.

 

On Aug. 19, Steve Roach released his latest album entitled Shadow of Time. Roach debuted his first record in 1982. Since then, he created over 100 albums. Well known in the ambient and electronic scenes, Roach continues to push boundaries. Though his career has covered a multitude of subgenres – dark, rhythmic, tribal and avant-garde being among them – Shadow of Time delivers smooth and immersive soundscapes.

Shadow of Time opens with the title track. Gentle and ethereal, there is something astral about this piece. At times it evokes a silent walk through the woods amidst small patches of light. In other moments, it feels vast and floating. Roach manages to intertwine the abstract and purposeful to great effect. While clearly electronic, “Shadow of Time” stops short of inorganic. This track carefully drops listeners off with a long and smooth fade out.

The middle track on Shadow of Time is called “Night Ascends. ” This piece begins on an airy and solemn tone. The foundation for this track evokes wind blowing across mountains. Layered over this are otherworldly and soaring melodies. An interesting aspect to “Night Ascends” is the manner in with Steve Roach orchestrates subtle shifts and variations. Half way through, listeners suddenly realize the landscape changed. With an almost Tibetan sensibility, there is a warmth and guided feel to the piece.

 

 

Pulling on the listener’s consciousness

In a tonally dense piece, “Cloud of Knowing” wraps up Shadow of Time. This track has a sweeping feel. However, it simultaneously contains an almost a palpable thickness. Listeners are easily drawn into “Cloud of Knowing.”

Steve Roach’s music presents an interesting experience for audiences. On one hand, it oscillates between the forefront and back of listener consciousness. At the same time, it is difficult not to be consumed by the sounds altogether. This is not music to work – or work out – to. It is, however, sound by which to explore, meditate and wonder.

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