On Body Electric, Steve Roach returns to his chromium roots, or at least strips away some of the dirt that's gathered on them over the years. While it's not quite the sequencer dervish of early albums like Empetus, it does... more » shift the timbral focus from the organic rhythms and textures to the electronic techno sound. He's joined on this album by Chicago-based electronica artist Vir Unis. Together these sonic alchemists create a world full of trance rhythms and atmospheres that swirl like a lava pool. The opening "Born of Fire" establishes their modus operandi of head-snapping electro-voodoo grooves with Omar Faruk Tekbelik's ney (Turkish flute) calling out like a lost soul in the maelstrom. From there, it's into the deep as the Roach-Unis world closes in around you. Walt Whitman sang the body electric. Steve Roach and Vir Unis plug you right in. --John Diliberto« less
On Body Electric, Steve Roach returns to his chromium roots, or at least strips away some of the dirt that's gathered on them over the years. While it's not quite the sequencer dervish of early albums like Empetus, it does shift the timbral focus from the organic rhythms and textures to the electronic techno sound. He's joined on this album by Chicago-based electronica artist Vir Unis. Together these sonic alchemists create a world full of trance rhythms and atmospheres that swirl like a lava pool. The opening "Born of Fire" establishes their modus operandi of head-snapping electro-voodoo grooves with Omar Faruk Tekbelik's ney (Turkish flute) calling out like a lost soul in the maelstrom. From there, it's into the deep as the Roach-Unis world closes in around you. Walt Whitman sang the body electric. Steve Roach and Vir Unis plug you right in. --John Diliberto
Yet another direction for the constantly evolving Roach
Michael Rittenberry (rein0068@frank | Nashville, Tennessee | 09/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Since I discovered Steve Roach in 1995, I've been fascinated by his unending desire to collaborate with other artists willing to push the boundaries of electronic music (calling Roach "New Age" is almost as silly as referring to Shania Twain as "Country"). With THE MAGNIFICENT VOID, Roach began a new era of soundworlds that has culminated with BODY ELECTRIC, which is the best album I've heard in 1999. As each track segues into the next, an entire inner universe opens up and it feels as if I've slipped into a pool of utter Bliss. This album simply gets better and better every time I listen to it, which is amazing considering some of the landmark work that this artist has created in the last fifteen years. If you aren't into rhythmically charged music, I would certainly say to skip it, but it's not technically techno... nor is it purely moody ambient dreamscapes. It fits nicely into a netherworld of alien sounds and would be the perfect soundtrack for a 21st century rave."
Music for joining the electronic tribe
Scott D. Taylor | 09/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not since Steve's second release of 'Empetus' has there been a pure electronic charge of grooves, trances, and soundworlds. On this CD, Steve has been joined with new comer Vir Unis, a trance and groove master we'll be hearing much more about. Together the two have created a collage of electronic tribal soundscapes, layered and looped with unique synthesizers and percussion only heard upon alien worlds. Unlike Steve's ambient material this recording brings new color to electronic/tribal music. Be on the watch for a follow up to this CD. The two artists will soon release a sequal to 'Body electric' in the year 2000 titled 'Blood Machine'. As for 'Body Electric' this is a disc for all seeking to listen to new music with new ears. ST"
Roach travels "Back to the Future" with Midwest synthesist
Michael Rittenberry (rein0068@frank | 02/16/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"One of his most atypical recordings of the decade, Body Electric marks a return to the electronic rhythm sessions of Empetus and Stormwarning, although not nearly as intense---it's more like a reinterpretation of the ambient-techno movement as seen through the eyes of two modern-day shamans. Full of odd time signatures and abrupt changes in rhythm, Body Electric may mark a significant change in Roach's music, but it's too early to tell at this point. Very interesting, nevertheless."
Music evolved from the future
Michael Rittenberry (rein0068@frank | 03/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This music was evolved from the future. It has soundworld similarities to Ascension of Shadows and Slow Heat, but with a highly rhythmic digital atmosphere that is absolutely outstanding and creates an incredibly visual/aural present and future landscape. Thank you Steve and Vir for your fractal grooving!"
Absolutly mesmerising
Michael Rittenberry (rein0068@frank | 03/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a record that grows and grows the more you listen to it. Both ambient, etherial and at the same time accessible to those who enjoy dance music of the tribal/trance styles. A departure from his usual output but a very very welcome one. I think its one of his best"