Light Echoes has no beats, but certainly has a mesmeric, trance-like rhythmic nature that constantly pushes forward and at times becomes tumultuous, but most of the time maintains a tranquilizing dream-like sort of mood.
[Release page] Pure, futuristic, retro-style escapism for the modern age. I just love it when the music becomes the soundtrack of my dream—it’s such a special experience that can happen with all kinds of music, but when it happens with this kind of pristine floating space ambient, it really feels like visiting a parallel universe. Light Echoes has no beats, but certainly has a mesmeric, trance-like rhythmic nature that constantly pushes forward and at times becomes tumultuous, but most of the time maintains a tranquilizing dream-like sort of mood. Morphing, spiraling and undulating, the layers of Light Echoes are beautifully manipulated by Steve Moore. This is definitely one of those albums that give the imagination a big boost. The second you press play, a vortex appears and draws you in.
Light Echoes is Steve Moore’s debut on Cuneiform Records, but this is not my first encounter with his music, as he is one half of the noted 70s-inspired, synth/prog duo Zombi (Relapse Records), and he has also worked with the excellent, instrumental psychedelic rock band Maserati (Temporary Residence Limited). You can say that Light Echoes is a modern, passionate tribute to the Berlin School of electronic music, and in a way it really is, but its 70s-inspired type of soundscaping is also simply a result of an artist’s intimate experimentation at home—doing what he loves in his own unique way. From the release notes: “Moore made all the sounds on Light Echoes himself, using a bank of vintage synthesizers and associated gear. He recorded the six tracks himself as well, working live in one or two takes, in his home studio on six days spread out over the course of about a year.”
While I enjoy all the tracks on this album; “Tyken’s Rift,” “Light Echoes II,” and “Ancient Shorelines II” are definitely the highlights for me. These three sonic surges just keep morphing and thickening with each minute passing, putting the listener in a high-altitude meditative state of mind. All in all the six tracks on Light Echoes offer exploratory fluid voyages through heavenly psychedelic vistas. This rewarding listening experience leaves a purifying and relaxing effect. In this digital age, Light Echoes is a welcomed and refreshing breeze.
Light Echoes is available on Cuneiform. [Release page]
