Origins
Like ancient cave etchings released from the stone they were carved upon,Steve Roach's evocative music onOriginsrattles the subconscious, bringing our most elusive dreams and primeval memories into focus through potent sonic essays. Roach's twentieth recording documents the latest chapter in his ever expanding style; a highly instinctual vocabulary of futuristic, yet organic electronics combined with forms of expression, as old as man himself.Driven by hybrid percussion, enigmatic synthesized melodies, gravel-voiced chants, and intense cries of yearning, the opening pieceArtifactscreates a sonic time warp that propels listeners into a surreal, almost alien, tribal landscape. This leads to some powerfuldidgeridooplaying on subsequent tracks as Roach deftly illustrates his growing virtuosity on the ancient Aboriginal instruments he learned to play during his extended stays in Australia. Even without electronic accompaniment, thedidgeridooconjures up some powerful imagery onClay, Wood, Bone, Dirt, a stunning, entirely acoustic duo featuring Roach and Mexican multi-instrumentalist,Jorge Reyeswho plays clay water pots on this selection.InThe Face in the Fire, sinuous synthesized textures and mammoth drum beats build a rock solid foundation for Roach's gritty chants in some long forgotten language, while the cryptic cauldron of churning sounds inIn the Eyes of the Spiritfeature Reyes' performances on Aztec trumpet and other pre-Columbian instruments. Spanish artist,Suso Saizprovides his own brand of hypnotic guitar textures on several selections as well. Through it all, Steve Roach deftly brings to life a story of ancestors and heroes, medicine men and ceremonies at dusk, as he reminds us that one day we too will be artifacts in the minds of some future civilization.