On his 1993 recording, Origins (17081-2), Steve Roach explored the cracks between conscious and unconscious awareness, weaving a tale of primal mystery and musical sorcery through a compelling synthesis of ancient and mode... more »rn aesthetics. As Darren Bergstein of i/e magazine observed, "Never before has Roach's electronic surface felt so earthen and weathered; all of the assertive ambience and environmental dissonance he's pressured up to now has reached its critical mass in Origins molten core."With Artifacts, Roach delves deeper into his own sonic mythology expanding his skills on acoustic instruments and realizing a profound level of artistry on electronics. Roach's obsession with the shifting of time finds form in his gift for creating trance-inducing rhythms that sound both primordial and futuristic.His rich, eternally swirling textures, seem to rise up from the darkness of the unconscious, bringing shards of long forgotten musical impulses to light once more. It's as if he's sifting through the soil of an ancient site, gathering fragments and piecing them together to reveal a new story that casts its shadow far beyond the present. Through it all, Roach reminds us that one day we, too, will be the artifacts in the minds of some future civilization.« less
On his 1993 recording, Origins (17081-2), Steve Roach explored the cracks between conscious and unconscious awareness, weaving a tale of primal mystery and musical sorcery through a compelling synthesis of ancient and modern aesthetics. As Darren Bergstein of i/e magazine observed, "Never before has Roach's electronic surface felt so earthen and weathered; all of the assertive ambience and environmental dissonance he's pressured up to now has reached its critical mass in Origins molten core."With Artifacts, Roach delves deeper into his own sonic mythology expanding his skills on acoustic instruments and realizing a profound level of artistry on electronics. Roach's obsession with the shifting of time finds form in his gift for creating trance-inducing rhythms that sound both primordial and futuristic.His rich, eternally swirling textures, seem to rise up from the darkness of the unconscious, bringing shards of long forgotten musical impulses to light once more. It's as if he's sifting through the soil of an ancient site, gathering fragments and piecing them together to reveal a new story that casts its shadow far beyond the present. Through it all, Roach reminds us that one day we, too, will be the artifacts in the minds of some future civilization.
Follow-up to Origins which explores new sonic territory
02/10/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Roach's 1993 release Origins was a consummate example of tribal-ambient electronica, his finest solo recording since Dreamtime Return, the album generally considered to be his masterpiece by both critics and listeners alike. Artifacts is the follow-up to Origins and like previous Roach recordings, it continues to blaze new trails in sound synthesis. Perhaps the highlight of the disc is the 24-minute "The Origin of Artifacts", which begins with a truly bizzare sequencer rhythm that gently yet relentlessly pushes you to the outer limits of deep space, then evolves into a catharic frame drum-based ceremony that gives you an idea of what our prehistoric ancestors may have indulged in from time to time. There are "ambient" pieces as well like "Your Own Eyes" and "Begin Where I End", reminiscent of both Dreamtime and Structures From Silence. All in all, an accomplished work."
Tell me how to get back...
Denise G. Sifuentes | 03/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I want to express a very sincere THANK YOU to Steve Roach for sharing this masterpiece with us."Origins" and "Artifacts" seem to be the result of what Steve was trying to say with "Dreamtime Return". While "Origins" is more percussive and tribal in nature -- and definitely one of my all-time favorites, too --, "Artifacts" takes you to the next level. Its sheer depth and trance-like nature is moving and spiritual in a way no other music could ever approach. It's Steve's most heartfelt work from the Master New Age Shaman himself. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD, then take a drive up a nearby mountain on a still night with lots of stars out... and play it. Time will stop, you will feel One with the Universe, and you just may experience "eternity" for the first time...Enjoy."
Absolutely Superb, among the best that Roach had done
Denise G. Sifuentes | 04/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was the best joint effort of Roach and Reyes and it is too bad that they moved on. I feel this is some of the most inspired and creative work by either artist. I have judged many later recordings by either artist and none have obtained the magick that was in this joint work. This is a must have of Steve Roach."
Words Cannot Express
Russ | Bellingham, WA United States | 01/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This particular release by Steve Roach contains such a potent spiritual quality to it. I own eight of his other works, but this is the cd I keep coming back to. I can imagine that many people have releases by artists that mean much more than just music to them, but rather encompasses some facet of who they are, what they feel, and what they know. That is really what Artifacts represents to me, and that tends to make it tough to actually describe this release or put into words that most people can relate to. But I also feel that many people would understand if they were to listen to Artifacts in forthright, and especially in an enhanced setting for such music, like the desert southwest. Definitely give this cd a shot."
Facts on Artifact
Denise G. Sifuentes | Mammoth Lakes, CA United States | 06/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was one of Steve Roach's best CD's. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and was completely satisfied with it as it did live up to my high expectations of Steve Roach's amazing works. If you are a fan or just enjoy ambient music this CD is definitely a good choice one will be happy with. Steve's music is so soothing and relaxing in a way that gets your mind away from your everyday worries. Overall an excellent CD and artist."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1
