BLOODMOON RISING - NIGHT 4

The 28th of September 2015 marks the occasion of the fourth blood moon lunar eclipse, which means the final volume of defining progressive electronic/ambient music artist Steve Roach's series of related works is now released. As with the previous volumes, `Bloodmoon Rising - Night 4' offers a single extended, deeply hypnotic sound collage devoid of any percussive elements that drifts for almost 74 minutes, lulling the listener into a pensive, reflective state. But surprisingly, and most welcome of all, `Night 4' eventually reveals itself to be a more varied, accessible and even warmer release than the previous volumes, as subtle direction and mood changes carefully bring light to the darker qualities.

Low-key rumbling chimes spiral into infinity and drowsy electronic ebbs lap at the senses, leading to chasm-like groans that murmur with unease. Rescued by more comforting, gently cinematic crystalline shimmering breezes, sustained ethereal washes spread like an ocean that weave a contemplative environment of hope and life reborn.

Initially available as a free download from Mr Roach's Bandcamp page, a proper four CD limited edition set is now available that, with the inclusion of the previously unreleased `Night 1' volume, promises to be a very unique and evocative body of work from the artist. While appealing most to lovers of long, lengthy droning atmospheres, this fourth and final volume offers more variety and shifting sounds that will make it more accessible to unsure electronic listeners, and it would actually be the best place to start for newcomers to the series. Those who usually shy away from more vague, challenging drone elements will find more focused, warmer and approachable passages here, and `Bloodmoon Rising - Night 4' might just be one of Steve Roach's most beautiful, triumphant and reassuring works of 2015.

Four stars.