Steve Roach, a pioneer in the ambient and electronic music scene, presents his latest masterpiece, "What Remains," released on August 5, 2022, under the Projekt label. This album is a testament to Roach's enduring influence and innovation in the genres of space music, ambient, drone, dark ambient, and new age.
"What Remains" is a dynamic confluence of sonic worlds, featuring four interconnected passages that explore a wide range of sonic landscapes. The album opens with "Currents of Compassion," a floating sequencer-woven elegant futurism, followed by the yearning and mysterious tribal ambient of "Prometheus Passage." The journey continues with the atmospheric "The Gone Place," leading to the heart-wrenching, pure-atmospherics of the title track, "What Remains."
Created entirely by Steve Roach using a blend of analog and digital instruments, mixing consoles, hardware effects, Eurorack modular, large format analog modular, and even an ocarina, the album showcases Roach's mastery of sound design and composition. The graphic design is by Sam Rosenthal, and the album was mastered by Howard Givens at Spotted Peccary Studios NW in Portland, Oregon.
With a duration of 70 minutes and 22 seconds, "What Remains" offers a rich and immersive listening experience. It serves as a calling card for the array of electronic-based minimalist styles that Roach has been bringing to life in recent years. The album is a reflection of Roach's extensive career, linking his various influences and showcasing his evolution as an artist.
For both longtime fans and newcomers, "What Remains" is an excellent entry point into Steve Roach's vast catalog. It is a celebration of his contributions to ambient music, deserving to be celebrated alongside other masters of the genre. Whether you are familiar with Roach's work or discovering it for the first time, "What Remains" is sure to captivate and inspire.
