FFWD

Psychedelic/Space Rock, Progressive Electronic/Prog and "Electronic/Ambient" followers, this "essential" work, survives in "nowhere land", considering its excellence. An anonymous collaboration between Robert Fripp, David Singleton (engineer), Kris Weston, Thomas Fehlmann,( the electronic/ambient wizardry of "The Orb"), combined in a perfect blend of well structured compositions (even in their apparent experimentations). The real treat is how well this Electronic/Psychedelic "trip" developes, without never losing focus, it grows richer, which is something that rarely happens, in this kind of projects. The Orb's touch is unmistakable, their sonic environments, are those (of the new "breed" of composers) which are recognizable at first listening, Mr Fripp's "sound" a million miles away, what else could not work out. Good, experimental collaborations, enhanced by completely structured music langauges and performance, in a highly intense and "intrumental" Electronic/Psychedelic environment. Really? What else could you ask for? Nothing else is needed with this kind of talents, maybe only, a FFWD, second project. For now, ****4 "essential" PA stars.

Now here is an incredible album which has been on my top play list ever since I first heard it featured over the loud speaker system at a Robert Fripp/David Sylvian show at Massey Hall here in Toronto. I remember commenting to my friend on how much I was enjoying the warm up music just fed over the PA. Immediately after the show I picked up the CD not knowing very much about the release except for the great introduction I had the night before. As it turns out it is another side project from Robert Fripp this time teaming up with electronica wizards D.A.R. Peterson, Kris Weston and Thomas Fehlmann. Fripp as you would expect handles all of the Frippertronics, guitars and treatments. This album was mixed and produced by The Orb. For those who like it spacey I would highly recommend this CD to you as it is just incredible. FFWD>> is exceptionally well recorded and offers incredible speaker seperation...This CD sounds incredible on the 'ol headphones. I would categorize this release somewhere in the zone of "No Pussyfooting", but carries a more psychedelic landscape to it. Also some spoken words and lots of wild sound effects making the listener wonder what these folks were doing at the time of recording. Highly recommended for the space heads out here.