THE SETTING SUN by VARIANT

Steve Hitchell delivers a serious treat for his legion of devoted followers with the next logical step in the Echospace saga leading to this digital only release exploring sublime ambient electronics in a textured, analog style. As Variant, Hitchell delves into his most expansive and inspiring palette with three expansive tracks ranging from eleven minutes up to forty four minutes plus, sketched onto his canvas with a widescreen scope and an emotionally affected cinematic intent that makes this a deeply engrossing listen. Made for an obviously specific time and place, 'The Setting Sun' sees a marked shift in Hitchell's work, sounding more like Oren Ambarchi or Keith Fullerton Whitman than any of the more familiar names his work has been associated with in the past. Incorporating resonant pianos, hazily thrummed guitars and swelling organs with rippling waves of curling analog distortion this is surely one of the most outstanding pieces in his catalogue. Check!