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30th anniversary edition. 1989 electronic classic back in print, reissued in digipak with original artwork.

Roach’s 5th solo album features 9-tracks of sophisticated, energetic sequencer music, similar to his earlier Now and Traveler, ending with a haunting, melodic piece, “The Memory,” more akin to his floating ambient work of the period. Empetus‘ full blown sequencer-based music illustrating a further evolution in the visceral side of Roach’s music. Nine precise pieces that still sound fresh today. A favorite of sequencer music lovers.

Steve reflects, “Empetus emerged from the dynamic times of my early years in Los Angeles, circa the beginning of the 80’s. This was an exciting time and place with the confluence of electronic artists, concert events, and instrument builders (like Oberheim). We were all in full stride and dreaming big. This created a sense of an emerging electronic sound and culture growing from the collective of these creative energies in motion. Empetus – a word I modified from the original impetus – is about infusing high emotion into the pieces, which were moving from longer forms into concise, interconnected meditations on energy, movement and dynamic flow.” 

Echoes Radio “#2 on 20 Years of Icons for 20 Years of Echoes. This may be the most concise Steve Roach album and came at the end of his sequencer phase, his last flame-out on Berlin school electronics.  But he was already taking it somewhere new. Unlike Roach’s usual CD-long expenses, these are bite-size compositions that do their job, quickly, efficiently and with every moment counting.  Roach leaves you breathless in a maze of synchronized spinning patterns only to pick you up and send you whirling again.” -John Diliberto

CD in 4-panel digipak.

Track Listing