Solar Fields - Reflective Frequencies (3 LP)
- LP
- 3 piece(s)
- 2001
- 34 tracks
- 4 uur, 29 min
- ambient
Reflective Frequencies
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3.5
Average of 14 reviews
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On the 19th of April, still able to grab it for €32 over at Sidereal. Don't get ripped off by resellers. Check it out here: https://sidereal.bigcartel.com/product/solar-fields-reflective-frequencies-triple-vinyl
As a proud owner of most Ultimae's albums, I must admit, not all get equal spins from me. Take Reflective Frequencies, for example, it's just not an album that's ever truly clicked for me. It's not that it's bad by any means. It's chill, dreamy, and ambient, fitting Ultimae's style perfectly, but I do crave a bit more energy. Blue Light and Red Vortex, however, is much higher on my list of favorites. It's still relaxed, but with a bit more punch. Similarly, Zone 12 sets a great mood for a daze, but one that makes you feel like you're floating, not stuck in one spot. Outlined Surfaces too. As for the rest, well, they can make a nice background at the right time, but I need to be in the right mood to let them take me on a journey.
I've got to concur that the original mastering was far superior. It had a lot more ambiance to it. This was crucial as there are plenty of abrasive sounds in this music that were softened by that ambiance. Here, the ambiance was significantly diminished and your ears are exposed to those harsh sounds up front. It's not enjoyable. Unfortunately, nearly all "remasters" are subpar. Why do they bother? I suppose they assume that ever-optimistic listeners will keep purchasing reissues, hoping for improved mastering. Not in this case, it's not. It's a real pity that we'll likely never get to hear all these extended versions before they were, well, butchered.
As a proud owner of most Ultimae albums, I must be honest; not all get equal spins. Reflective Frequencies, for example, isn't one I've ever truly warmed up to. It's not that it's bad. It's chill, dreamy, and ambient, fitting Ultimae's style, but I prefer a bit more energy. Blue Light and Red Vortex, however, ranks high on my favorites list. It's still relaxed but has more edge. Similarly, Zone 12 creates a great atmosphere for a chill session, but it's more about floating than just zoning out. Outlined Surfaces too. The rest, well, they can serve as nice background music at the right time, but I need to be in the mood to let them take me on a journey.
I gotta say, the original mastering was way better. It had so much more atmosphere. That was important 'cause there's a lot of harsh sounds in this music, and that atmosphere helped smooth 'em out. But here, the atmosphere's been toned down, and now those harsh sounds are right up front. It's not a good time for your ears. It's too bad, but most "remasters" like this just don't cut it. Why do they even bother? I guess they think folks will keep buying these reissues, hoping for better mastering. But not this time, it's not better. It's a real bummer that we'll probably never get to hear these longer versions the way they were meant to be, before they got all messed up.
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