Customer Reviews

Midnight Moon

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Here, Steve Roach has created a tranquil, more meditative album, somewhat reminiscent of his mid-80's releases like "Structures from Silence" and "Quiet Music", however this time it's all done amazingly with guitar, and is considerably more moody and dark. If anything, this album travels through terrain similar to that mapped out by Brian Eno and Harold Budd -- with its slow, reverberating tones, sounding uncannily like Budd's trademark piano effects at times. A nice departure of sorts for Steve that beautifully does its title justice. The ultimate album to drift off to or a soundtrack to camping out in the high desert under the stars and, of course, the moon ... that is, if you can handle the album's darker qualities.

Steve Roach produces yet another brilliant album of sparse ambient beauty. This is a single continuous piece of slow moving gorgeous sounds that evoke the albums title, "Midnight Moon". It's a great CD to listen to on a continuous loop or with other Roach stuff like `Dreamtime Return' (generally considered his masterpiece) or `Atmospheric Conditions'. I find this album wonderful for falling asleep to or for late night listening. Gorgeous.

Unlike much of Steve Roach's well known work, this album accentuates guitars and dreamy reverie over dark rumblings and spiritual landscapes. It's as evocative and expansive as his best work (DREAMTIME RETURN, WELL OF SOULS, THE MAGNIFICENT VOID among them), but more melodic and gentle. A welcome change of pace from a master of the core ambient, "space music" genre.

Roach has done a lot of superb work but something *really* came together with "Midnight Moon." The title describes the tone perfectly; this is the sound of the late evening, not at all light or New Age. The longest track "Midnight Loom" sets a perfectly defined mood, detachment with an undercurrent of recurring tension. How can I say this? As seagulls are the sound of ocean, "Midnigh Moon" is the sound of the early hours, the sound of solitude and moonlight. If you buy one Roach release, get this one. If two, add "Structures from Silence."

I have the "Dreaming...Now, Then" Steve Roach retrospective that came out a few years ago, and was pleasantly surprised with his latest release. I will admit that I only accidentally stumbled upon this album: it was on the listening station at my favorite bookstore and once I started listening to it, I could not pull myself away from it. The album is essentially a 70+ min. oasis of dark, ambient synth-sounding guitar feedbacks. The term "guitar feedback" is not meant to scare you away, because quite frankly if it wasn't for the liner notes explaining that the entire album is made with just guitars, I would not have believed it (and if anything, only demonstrates the wizardry of Steve Roach). The best track is "Broken Town", with a threatening bass vibration that only further dramatizes the sound. Not for everyone (and certainly not for anyone in a hurry), but for those open to the sounds of ambient dreamscapes, this is a winner.

Midnight Moon is a great dark ambient recording from the ambient master,the great Steve Roach.This is a great recording of dark ambient music,and captures the musical theme of late-night ambience perfectly.So perfectly,as a matter of fact,that this can be considered the soundtrack to nighttime.Its not surprising,though,when you consider an ambient master like Roach produced this music,as he has been at it for almost 30 years now.This album proves his mastery of creating deep soundworlds.From the very beginning of Midnight Moon,the haunting and mysterious late-night atmosphere takes over your room,permeating it with its mystical sounds of the late-night hours,which makes this album a perfect choice to listen to at night,in a solitary room.Don't get me wrong though,as it is still very captivating and thoughtful music.From the album's beginning on Ancestors Circle,the late-night atmosphere immediately makes itself present.As the album progresses,the tone gradually becomes darker and darker,representing the different phases of the moon and the night,from early twilight,to complete and utter dominance at the midnight hour.While the album contains eight tracks,they are meant to be thought of and experienced as one,single soundtrack,a soundtrack of the night.A truly enthralling and captivating album.One that should not be overlooked for ambient lovers.This album belongs with Steve Roach's best efforts.I whole-heartedly,highly recommend this to Roach fans as well as to newcomers alike.A perfect ambient experience and soundtrack to the mystery and magnificence that is night.

This CD is great nightime ambient music. I wouldn't exactly call it "New Age"...it's more like a dark, dreamy veil over your eyes as you look out at a full moon.

If Night had a sound, this would be it.

I'm very interested in the work of Steve Roach. MIDNIGHT MOON is, quite simply, one of his best albums. I would characterize it as 'dark ambient', similar in tone and texture to Lustmord's STALKER collaboration with Robert Rich. Whether you're new to Steve Roach or an established fan, this album is a must for your collection.

Minimal yet rich with the night, this release captures a very distinct mood...that undeniable late night solitude. The third track, "Deadwood", is a deeply haunting piece that you will feel in your gut, almost as if spirits of the dead are there with you. This c.d. is quite a satisfying release given its minimal nature.

Midnight Moon will wrap its darkness around your head like a silent black blanket and feed you its own alien breath. This is music that will take over any space it is played in. Deep, sparse and fantastic...