STEVE ROACH
DESTINATION BEYOND

Blending the two core aspects of his work, Steve ramps up for the fall of 2009 with the stunningly expansive Destination Beyond. This all-new release combines immersive atmospheric harmonic zones (like those recently experienced on Dynamic Stillness) into the setting of spiraling patterns and hypnotic rhythms (similar to those found on Arc Of Passion). Perfectly blending these two sonic qualities over the course of the continuous 71-minute piece, the flowing soundscapes on Destination Beyond propel the mood to a mesmerizing state which is unique from any of Steve’s pure rhythmless immersive work while achieving a similar sensation that works perfectly in repeat playback mode. Destination Beyond pushes electronic music to its highest level, living and breathing in the immediacy in which it was created. The album flows along an organic continuum. Clocked, synced and performed in unison within Steve’s desert studio, it showcases his mastery of a life-long devotion to hands-on performance. Utilizing real analog synthesizers with knobs and sliders, a mixing console and real-time processing as an additional instrument results in soundscapes infused with a pure natural flow. It is an artisan approach to sound that is quite rare in today’s cut and paste approach to electronic music. Within an impressive body of work that spans nearly 30 years, certain stylistic forms evolve and reappear as significant signposts, as touchstones for both the listener and the artist. This release clearly draws from the heart and soul of Steve’s sonic vision. Destination Beyond is infused with breaths of life and forward momentum which draws the listener into a serene sense of physical and mental travel. The sound ebbs and flows in constant movement; the meditation of emotion in the music is a yearning for what is over the next rise. As Steve explains in the liner notes, “When the Destination Beyond calls the heart must go... The magnetic pull and drive towards the point on the horizon, towards the Destination Beyond. Never reaching this point - but always seeing it just ahead - remains a constant theme and impetus in my life.” This piece was recorded in Steve's new desert studio, not far from where the cover image was taken.