Review: 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.
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