This review focuses on the drum sound of the new Dream Theater album and
compares the 5.1 audio mix with a previous DT 5.1 mix. I do like the
album but as there are hundreds of reviews that cover in detail each of
the songs and general impressions, I have not included that here.
I
eagerly purchased the new Dream Theater deluxe version as once again
they'd produced a 5.1 audio mix version. I still regularly listen to
their "Systematic Chaos" 5.1 recording and marvel at the clarity and
power. Paul Northfield had done a superb production job on capturing the
brutal force of the rhythm section without losing the subtle nuances.
So finally we had another to enjoy! My initial excitement melted
quickly as I listened to "False awakening". I flicked through my Marantz
amp settings to ensure I hadn't made an error. This is probably the
worst drum sound I have heard on a DT album. I was so looking forward
to hearing Mangini louder and crisper in the mix. Yet the sound of the
drums are completely muffled. I certainly hear no hummingbird wings...
The more I listened, the more I
noticed other things. No surprise but the definition to the bass was
almost completely absent. Forget a 5.1 audio mix, I have CDs from the
90s that sound better.
Then the pain sunk in, the bitter
disappointment. You see I really like this album and believe it could
have been one of their top 3 albums...but the cardboard, drum machine
sound of the wonderful drumming of Mangini is so very disappointing in
the recording. Now I am unsure if this is because of the mixing,
mastering or initial recording. Whatever the reason, it's unacceptable
for a 5.1 mix.
When I listen to the album with my Grado
headphones, the drum sound is perhaps acceptable. So are they mixing for
the headphone generation? On my sound system ( Marantz player, Mission
speakers and Velodyne sub) the power and definition of the recording is
missing. If I compare "Systematic Chaos" 5.1 with this then you realise
how different the recording of the drumming is. This is sterile and
compressed. On "Systematic Chaos" 5.1 (which is my least fav DT album)
the drumming physically knocks you with my Velodyne sub. The drum sound
is varied, the snare and toms clearly distinguishable. On this new DT, I
have to have the sound blaring on my headphones. And then they sound
acceptable... I think Kevin Shirley got the warmest and punchiest drum
sound on the LTE albums. (Listen to Simon Phillips' s drum recordings -
these are nearly always impressive. Try Sherinian's "Oceana" opening
track. That's a drum recording done right!)
Hey, have any of you
listeners the album "Systematic Chaos" on 5.1? Do a simple comparison and
you'll soon realise what a STUNNING recording it is. Listen to "In the
Presence of Enemies" part 1. Go to about 4 .45 and listen to the build
up of drumming. Listen to the attack of the snare, hear the tight kick
drum and distinct different tom sounds. Even when the power wall of
guitar comes in you can easily hear the snare and bass pedal. You can
hear hi hat cymbals! Try "Repentance" and you hear every little drum
nuance. Rim shots, ghosting, cymbal. This is what I anticipated for the
new DT 5.1. I am now depressed. What a waste of opportunity! In
comparison I now think the DT drum mix is poor. No offense, Mr Petrucci,
you are one of rock's greats and your guitar sound on this IS
wonderful, but I thought you wanted people to embrace Mike Mangini. How
can we if we can't hear him properly! (Maybe someone stole his signature
Pearl snare drum and replaced it with a cardboard replica?)
Finally,
all the other elements are in place. I love the packaging, the art work
and even the lyrics. All of the compositions have grown on me and
Petrucci's guitaring is more melodic and soaring than I can remember in a
decade. After all I have written, this is a strong album and I will live
with the flawed drum sound.
Rock legends Deep Purple were on fire last night in Auckland's Vector arena. This was an invigorated, imaginative show where Purple looked sharper than what they did ten years ago. These masters of rock get better each time I see them. This was the heaviest yet cleanest sound - well done to the sound desk crew - Paice's drum sound was crisp and thunderous with every tom audible and distinct, Airey's keyboard expansive and majestic, while Morse took his usual amazing playing to another level on his own instrumental composition, "Contact lost". There were many Morse highlights including his soaring and arpeggio shredding over some Blackmore classics including the evocative "Wasted sunsets" and "Maybe I'm a Leo". (Have a look at this great Youtube clip of Morse last year in Moscow playing the solo of "Wasted sunsets" - Gillan even wore the same t-shirt in Auckland.) The concert ramped up as DP added menace with "The Battle rages on". As Gillan said after the first few rockers, "That was the jazz bit of the set, Now it's time to rock 'n roll" .
Deep Purple looked fit and lean, full of smiles and good time eagerness. Like the experienced professionals they are, they tackled songs from the 70's with spectacular lighting, the best that I have experienced at a Purple concert. (This includes watching two previous live concerts - 1995 and 2004 plus various DVD concerts through the 2000's). I loved the way they musically built up well known tracks and added dramatic interludes like short pulverizing drum solos or keyboard breaks to keep the creativity and interest, yet keeping the structure and not tampering with their classic repertoire or sound.
There was a palpable excitement from the group that was reflected in the crowd who were certainly more vocal and engaged than when Journey were on stage before hand. Airey played an extended and powerful keyboard showcase that included a beautiful rendition of the traditional New Zealand "Pokarekare Ana" and then came the distinctive opening chords of "Perfect Strangers" which ripped through the arena. This was another highlight of the show with everyone on top form for "Perfect Strangers" and the strobe lighting at the end of this was mesmerizing. On the "Live at Montreux 2006" I thought Gillan was at times singing flat and was apprehensive to hear him. Clearly he has managed his voice carefully in the intervening years and was strong and exerted his power cleverly. I thought he was amazing. They are all amazing.
The encore was an extended triumph with "Smoke on the water" easily the heaviest version I have heard as Morse chugged his opening barrage with metal menace. If they have played this only 30 times a year that would still be over a thousand performances of it but it sounded as fresh as ever. Finally the crowd participation singing in a call and response to answer Morse's guitar on "Blacknight" lifted the evening to a fitting crescendo. Take a bow, Deep Purple, that was some show!
Go and see them, Australia - they are the fire of the classic rock generation playing with the fervor, the improvisation and spark that is missing in today's rock. I saw something special last night. Legends indeed.
For great photos and review - see 13th floor site
P.S. After that performance, I am even more intrigued to hear their new album when it is released in April.
