The Serpent's Lair

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Ambient explorer Roach and percussionist Metcalf originally began this as an experiment into the effects of breathwork and the use of sound on a person "as a shamanic strategy for healing, personal growth, and transformation." The successful effects their music had in group settings were extended into these compositions. While billed as a collaboration between the two men, The Serpent's Lair also features contributions by (deep breath) violinist Vicki Richards, overtone vocalist Jim Cole, pre-Hispanic sound sorcerer Jorge Reyes, singer Lena Stevens, synthesist Vidna Obmana, "groove alchemist" Vir Unis, and djembe players Jeffrey Fayman and Momodu "Mohammad" Kah. The two discs in this package act as yin and yang--the eight parts of the first disc, "The Serpent's Lair," highlight intoxicatingly hypnotic drum rhythms slicing through churning ambient spaces, while the seven cuts that make up the second disc, "Offerings from the Underworld," travel down darker, spacier streams with subtle rhythms, reverberant vocals, and exotic aerophones caressing and riding the ethereal aural waves. This invigorating combination of musicians invents a dynamic new perspective on Roach's trademark deep-listening forays. It would be wonderful to hear more collaborations like this. --Bryan Reesman

The Serpent's Lair,Steve Roach & Byron Metcalf,Projekt Records,Ambient Techno,Electronic,Ethnic Fusion,Europe,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Soundscape,Spiritual,Techno-Tribal

The Serpent's Lair

Tracks:

The Lair
Rite Of Passage
Shedding The Skin
Big Medicine
Future Tribe
Birthright
Osmosis
Egg Chamber Dreaming

Tracks:

Offering In Waves
Impending Sense Of Calm
Cave Dwellers
Primal Passage
Serpent Clan
Beating Heart Of The Dragon Mother
Ochua

Amazon.com

Ambient explorer Roach and percussionist Metcalf originally began this as an experiment into the effects of breathwork and the use of sound on a person "as a shamanic strategy for healing, personal growth, and transformation." The successful effects their music had in group settings were extended into these compositions. While billed as a collaboration between the two men, The Serpent's Lair also features contributions by (deep breath) violinist Vicki Richards, overtone vocalist Jim Cole, pre-Hispanic sound sorcerer Jorge Reyes, singer Lena Stevens, synthesist Vidna Obmana, "groove alchemist" Vir Unis, and djembe players Jeffrey Fayman and Momodu "Mohammad" Kah. The two discs in this package act as yin and yang--the eight parts of the first disc, "The Serpent's Lair," highlight intoxicatingly hypnotic drum rhythms slicing through churning ambient spaces, while the seven cuts that make up the second disc, "Offerings from the Underworld," travel down darker, spacier streams with subtle rhythms, reverberant vocals, and exotic aerophones caressing and riding the ethereal aural waves. This invigorating combination of musicians invents a dynamic new perspective on Roach's trademark deep-listening forays. It would be wonderful to hear more collaborations like this. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2007-05-13

Absolutely beautiful.I discover new things,new sounds every time I listen to this CD.It's so deep and touches a chord within my soul.It has so many layers; textures.I love it!!

Steve's best hybrid album to date.......2007-03-28

+1 for superb production quality and presentation case
+1 hybrid groove is extraordinary
+1 variety of tribal beat and deep space sound
+1 Steve works best with masters such as Metcalf, Obmana, Unis and Rich
+1 unique, illuminating - been looking for this sound since...

Bottom line: a better hybrid groove than Fever Dreams I & II...I reserve judgment on Fever Dreams III

YOU WILL BE TRANSFORMED.......2005-02-03

I bought this after reading some positive reviews on Amazon from reviewers I liked. Before buying I was a bit put off by the self-congratulatory reviews on the CD jackets; whenever someone proclaims themselve or allows someone else to proclaim them "genius" you have to wonder if they're more form over function (like Yanni, for example.)

I'm glad I went ahead and purchased this album anyway. This guy Roach is good, real good. He knows how to play with your emotions. CD #1 has more of a rhythmic trance feel (appropriate for entertaining) whereas CD #2 is far more ambient in nature (and downright spooky at times.) It's true what other reviewers write: this is the most evocative music I've ever listened to. Images and scenes will emerge in your mind. In my case, it was the wonderful scene from the movie "All the Right Stuff" where flying ambers from an Aboriginal fire floated upwards and merged with stars an astronuat in space was observing. Don't believe me about the images? Try this: close your eyes and listen to an entire song. When you open them you'll see that you need some time to adjust to your current surroundings because while your eyes were closed you were transported to an entirely different place in your mind's eye.

It wouldn't surprise me if classical minimalist composer Philip Glass has some Roach in his CD rotation. I know I'll definitely be purchasing some more of his music. I'd recommend sticking with Amazon when buying his CD's, because given the large number and differing variety he has out (I understand 3 new ones are planned for this year) you'll be disappointed by the lack of selection at record stores.

Extreme tribal trance (for ambient music).......2003-06-21

Heavy on the tribal and trance sounds mixed with very cutting edge electronic music. A few tracks verge on nightclub electro dance music. Towards the end of cd #2 it gets very tribal on the vocals, not so much on the rhythms and sounds. Although each track is quite different, once the tune gets going, it gets repetitive as if to induce a trance. It's very good to listen to if you are working on a project or even to work out to.

A rich and pleasing experience.......2002-04-09

I never cease to be amazed by the many ways Steve Roach can weave a web. I mean, in how many different directions can one man go with long, ambient, atmospheric pieces almost totally devoid of melody? Evidently, in more ways than I can count.

In collaboration with Byron Metcalf and a host of others, the list of which reads like a veritable Who's Who of prominent ambient musicians, Roach provides a sense of tribal mysticism with those long ethereal passages we've come to associate with his work. THE SERPENT'S LAIR is a rich blend of soothing tones, hypnotic tribal beats and some lovely vocal passages (a rarity in Roach compositions).

Although I am a huge Steve Roach fan, owning most of his CD's -I was hesitant to purchase this Disc; now I'm sorry I waited so long to buy it. My fear was an overemphasis of the percussion aspects of the compositions over the soothing atmospherics and the sense of exploration I associate with his music. (I've been disappointed with these collaborations before, namely with DUST TO DUST, an album that I've never really liked.) I need not have worried - this double CD is rich and complex, and is a brilliant example of Steve Roach's ever evolving talent. In some ways, it reminds me a bit of Michael Stearns THE LOST WORLD, another brilliant work and artist that I highly recommend.

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