by Phil Derby, Electroambient Space
August 2006
Steve was only given 45 minutes to show the audience at NEARfest what he could do, so he made the most of it with this set. Very much like ON THIS PLANET, it covers a wide variety of his recent material. Unlike that release, this one is the real deal, unedited, as it happened, not a studio reinterpretation. The visceral power is there, from the thunder-charged opening of "This Planet" to the softly fading didgeridoo at the end of "Darktime". In between, the music is all familiar, representing CORE, MYSTIC CHORDS & SACRED SPACES, POSSIBLE PLANET, LIGHT FANTASTIC, even all the way back to STORMWARNING. However, the arrangements and the flow are different enough that Steve Roach fans will most likely want to include this in their collection. It is worth noting that the CD that accompanies the KAIROS DVD is similar musically, and runs considerably longer at 74 minutes. However, if you want to transport yourself into the concert setting and have been unable to make it to one of Steve's shows, this is the next best thing to being there.
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Steve Roach 2006 NEARfest Records NFR0008 (CD) Reviewed by Electroambient Space, e|i magazine, Sonic Curiosity For an uninterrupted 45 minutes, Steve Roach captivated the NEARfest audience in 2005 with a hyper-charged set designed to create an exhilarating ride through the many worlds found in his sonic landscapes. Fire-breathing primal-voiced synths, pulsing rhythms and haunting didgeridoo passionately intertwine as STORM SURGE progresses to an emotional climax. This is a well-timed release, as those who are experiencing the KAIROS DVD can hear first-hand one of the many concerts that helped shaped the outcome of the DVD. This abbreviated set was supported by visuals that were part of the developing KAIROS project. STORM SURGE: LIVE AT NEARFEST is presented just as it occurred, with no edits or post studio fixes; the sound of the hall and the audience is all a part of the impact of this powerful live document.
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