Monday 29 April 2013

DUTCH REVIEW OF ERIK NORLANDER

Erik Norlander - The Galactic Collective [DVD]

Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Format: 2CD+DVD
Record Label: Think Tank Media
Catalogue #: TTMV1006
Year of Release: 2012
Time: CD 1 - 79:07
CD 2 - 46:03
DVD - 135:00
Info: Erik Norlander
Samples: Click Here
Tracklist:
CD 1 - Arrival (1:46), Neurosaur (4:56), Fanfare for Absent Friends (6:07), Sky Full of Stars (9:42), Astrology Prelude (5:40), Trantor Station (6:21), After the Revolution (12:08), Garden of the Moon (5:13), Dreamcurrents (5:33), The Dark Water (20:48)
CD 2 - Space 1999 (5:09), Sky Full of Stars (9:57), Garden of the Moon (5:53), The Dark Water (24:33)

DVD - The Galactic Collective, Behind the Wall of Doom, The Synthesizers of the Galactic Collective
Erik Norlander, Mark Matthews, Nick LePar, John Payne, Mitch Perry, Mark McCrite, Ron Redfield, Freddy DeMarco and Lana Lane; what you have created here is nigh on perfect. What I experienced within this package sent shivers down my spine. This is entertainment of the highest order that can't be faulted. Erik Norlander has taken the said works listed above, compositions written for Rocket ScientistsLana Lane and his own solo ventures, and offered new interpretations, alternate and extended versions, re-imagining them into a single unified production that links all these pieces together. This release is full of pomposity and keyboard pyrotechnics that will absolutely amaze all those who listen.

Make no mistake, the star of the show is Mr. Norlander and his amazing arsenal of classic analogue synthesizers (including 6 Moog instruments), Hammond organ and an incredible Steinway model B grand piano. The inclusion of the other musicians (one bass player, one drummer and five guitarists) really sets the whole affair alight majestically. Let's not forget Lana's choral vocal addition that adds some flavour to the proceedings.

Across both disks we are offered spatial soundscapes, rapidity, passages that conceive and develop the mind, musical permutations that stimulate both the conscious and unconscious mind's eye. It doesn't stop there; ones emotions are also pricked as the lush atmospheric, powerful, sedate and exciting structures caress and enrich the listener's ears. This really is what music is all about.
The recording and production work on this release capture every nuance with perfect clarity, which re-enforces the strength of the music presented here. You can hear and feel the love that that has been allocated to this project, instrumentals that have been nurtured in Erik's mind, where he has gained possession and control over every note played, something that has allowed him and his fellow band mates to excel to a different level.

As if this wasn't enough, the collection comes enhanced with an in studio filmed DVD of the music being played. Between the songs Erik offers his thoughts and feelings on each song and how they were constructed which is interesting and enlightening, an approach that won't just appeal to the die-hard fans and something that adds an extra dimension.

The Synthesizers of the Galactic Collective documentary goes into the technicalities of the keyboards used in this project, which in all honesty lost me somewhat, but confirms that Erik certainly knows his stuff, even down to an almost train spotter level, which I will probably be chastised for stating.
The footage is excellent as is the soundstage, the obligatory 2.0 stereo and more importantly the 5.1 surround, which is the way this music should be played.

I am not going to pick my favourite tacks here as in all honesty I can't; there is absolutely nothing I do not like about this release. Make no mistake Erik Norlander is a master craftsman and this release is a master class on how it should be done.
Conclusion: 10 out of 10


CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO
The Galactic Collective Definitive Edition
2CD1DVD - £19.99

The Galactic Collective Live in Gettysburg
2CD1DVD - £19.99

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