Search - Synergy :: Reconstructed Artifacts

New versions - not a "best of"

eveoflove | North York, Ontario Canada | 01/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Made in UK in 2002, Serial# VP272CD, Playing Time 56:11It's been years since we've been treated to a new album by synthesizer wizard Larry Fast...This CD presents new "interpretations" (recorded in early 2002) of older material, except for track 6, "Flight Of The Looking Glass", originally released on "Audion", which on here has been recorded on tour in May 2000.I must admit that all the tracks sound completely different to me, mostly because the technology has changed drastically over the last decades...The tracks featured here are presented in their ORIGINAL chronological order: the first 2 originally on "Electronic Realizations...", then track 3 from "Sequencer" (oh, I would have LOVED to hear a new version of "Classical Gas" !!!); tracks 4,5 and 6 were originally performed on "Audion", and the other 4 tracks on "Metropolitan Suite".The sounds and textures presented here are rich, thick, and somewhat more "jovial" than their original counterparts.This CD makes a great addition of the SYNERGY catalog, whether you're a long-time fan, or want to get introduced to Larry Fast's genre. This release would have been a PERFECT example to demonstrate the possibilities of Surround Sound, especially compared to mainstream rock.Pick it up, krank it up, and be prepared to be teleported into space for an hour! Oxygen sold separately..."

It doesn't get any better than this!

progstock | U.S. | 10/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm going to quickly run out of superlatives.



The only possible way this CD could get any better is if Larry Fast had treated us to new material. Other than that, this CD is flawless.



As if the original versions weren't great enough, Fast has combed back over them to bring out every nuance in the highs, lows and middle. As the other reviewer alluded to, the major themes remain very much true to the originals, though if you're very familiar with them you'll notice the differences -- from texturing of background sequencer overlays (nobody...NOBODY does this better than Larry Fast!) to supporting bass lines, as well as somewhat different patches for many of the lead lines. As with the original compositions, the rich interplay of texture and melody are woven with precision; Larry Fast would rather treat you to 40 minutes of great music than water it down to 60 minutes of "really good stuff." There's not a boring moment on the entire disc.



The thing that really makes Larry Fast unique is his technical virtuosity combined with a great sense of compositional skill. If you're unfamiliar with the Synergy catalogue, "Reconstructed Artifacts" would be an excellent place to begin your collection.



Incredible.



OK, that does it...i'm out of superlatives."