Erik Norlander - The Galactic Collective [DVD]
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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)
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
Scientists, Lana 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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