CD Steve Roach – Etheric Imprints

Steve Roach – Etheric Imprints (Projekt, 2015)

Released in late 2015 on the Projekt label, Etheric Imprints marks a compelling departure for veteran ambient pioneer Steve Roach. Moving away from the dense sequencer patterns and tribal-ambient rhythms of his previous works, this 74-minute album explores vast, "cosmic scale" space ambience and introspective tonal landscapes.

The centerpiece of the album is the 30-minute title track, featuring an evocative and rare inclusion in Roach's discography: the electric grand piano. Played and manipulated in real-time, the piano notes drift through vaporous, shadow-filled spaces, drawing comparisons to the classic minimalist works of Brian Eno and Harold Budd. Across four expansive tracks, Roach balances moments of mild dissonance with tranquil, melodic zones designed for deep contemplation.

Key Highlights:

• "Etheric Imprints": A monumental half-hour piece of sparse, "waterlogged" piano tones and luminous contrails.
• "Indigo Shift": A darker, drifting wall of sound that plays with tension and dissonant rogue tones.
• "Holding Light": A return to the majestic "starscape" territory reminiscent of Roach's classic The Magnificent Void.
• "The Way Forward": A concluding movement of optimism, featuring swelling chords and bright tonal hues.

Perfect for late-night listening and inward exploration, Etheric Imprints is an essential release for collectors of long-form meditative ambient music.