THE GALACTIC COLLECTIVE

The Galactic Collective is an album of re-recorded instrumentals from throughout Norlander's whole career, performed live-in-the-studio. The album opens with Arrival and Neurosaur that originally opened Norlander's first solo album, Threshold. This is something of Norlander's signature tune and fits perfectly as an opener. Also Trantor Station was originally from that album. Next up is Fanfare For Absent Friends originally from the electronic Seas Of Orion. This version is a bit more rocking than the original version and an improvement on a already good tune. The symphonic Sky Full Of Stars was originally from the conceptual Music Machine album. Again, well executed here. Astrology Prelude was originally on the excellent Lana Lane album Secrets Of Astrology and Garden Of The Moon was on the Lana Lane album of that same name. After The Revolution and Dark Water represent Rocket Scientists. Dark Water was originally split up into shorter introductions and interludes, but here they are presented as one long piece running over 20 minutes. Finally, the beautiful piano-driven Dreamcurrents was originally on Into The Sunset. The new arrangement presented here is the ultimate one.

All in all a fantastic album. It plays like a "Best of instrumental Erik Norlander" album and I find it all superbly enjoyable.

Very highly recommended!