Return to Auratia, by variant

Return to Auratia

by variant

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Full Digital Discography

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Get all 57 variantsonics releases available on Bandcamp and save 25%.

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of amongst the stars w/variant etherscape, satosphere sessions [transmission III] w/variant submersion + digital exclusive, suspended in a moment [someplace else] w/variant refocus, depths of perception : submerging waves [variant submersion], cosmic currents, lake of the clouds [live], vortexual [inception], plays sequential space, and 49 more. , and , .

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	1.	Return To Auratia [Enchantment] 59:40
	2.	Return To Auratia [Engagement] 01:01:28

about

Recorded at the same time as its predecessor, "Return to Auratia" captures the chilly, arctic essence of the original, dubbed out to infinity. A sonic world all its own!

"Auratia" is made entirely with hardware, paying homage to infinite forms of synthesis, from analog, dco, waveshaping, vector, there's a myriad of forms explored producing unique results. Vintage analog equipment in conjunction with innovative customized modular synthesizers winnow a basis for algorithmic structure improvisation. This sound experiment re-synthesizes from a current plane into altered planes of effects-a radically new experience that breaks down barriers. Ghostly harmonics fold and unfold like symmetrical patterns in nature to generate a myriad of complex and infinite rhythmic lines. Tessellations for higher dimensions, this mosaic of melody delivers an eccentric experience. Something for the heads in search of sonic meditation with 2 near 60 minute infinite pieces of organic dub grooves with an emphasis on synthesis experimentation and out-of-this world sonic apparitions.

"What I give form to in daylight is only one per cent of what I have seen in darkness." -M. C. Escher

Thoughts on Auratia (Volume One):

"Even by the usually epic standards of Echospace - who are, after all, no strangers to long, drawn-out tracks - Auratia is particularly grandiose in concept and introduction. Inspired by one of the worst blizzards in Michigan's history, and containing sounds and textures that started out as field recordings, this latest missive from Stephen Hitchell's solo Variant project is made up of two tracks, each around an hour long. While hard to get a handle on from short clips, it's as beautiful, intoxicating and immersive as anything he's produced to date. Sat somewhere between drone, ambient and dub techno, Auratia is at times becalmed, intense, picturesque and, predictably, rather chilly." -Juno

Chicagoan producer Steven Hitchell aka Soultek releases under his Variant name on the Detroit Echospace output that he runs alongside Rod Modell aka Deepchord. The epic two CD, two track release made entirely out of hardware draws out an intense droning soundscape with hints of steady techno. The sound comes in a similar vain to the likes of Biosphere or Monolake with its dark, ambient sensitivities. It’s a steady build up that draws you in with its cinematic narrative and dark, heroic awe. -Bleep

credits

released December 10, 2016

written + produced by stephen hitchell. mastered in echospace.

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about

variantsonics Ann Arbor, Michigan

Variant's recordings are frequently intended to "score the constellation of mystical events occurring in the depths of space."

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Why do I love this masterpiece of Kinetic sound energy? You have to ask? It's quite evident from the very first track! N'est Pas? This release is deserving of the equivalent of a Grammy IMO! Too bad mainstream music executives and Media are rather "tone deaf" to "genuine" musical talent! But then again, we need that music for the MASSES! Radio stations need something to play! :) deeperthandeep2021
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