We’ve got a PLAZMATAZ x2 COMBO coming up next, starting with Symphony Impossible to Play.
Arranged and composed by Clark “Plazmataz” Powell. Original ‘Crystalanthemums’ melody by Alexander Rosetti, 'Endless Climb,’ 'Doctor,’ 'Explore’ melodies by George Buzinkai, and 'Atomyk Ebonpyre’ by Toby “Radiation” Fox.
What a way to kick things off: a long crescendo from a deep strings section that echoes Endless Climb. That’s followed by a tease of a few more memorable tunes, all backed by those same strings and a forceful percussion beat.
That percussion line is best featured at the 4:25 mark, where the toms really take over (Plazmataz must have brought Ron Bushy in as a studio musician for that one).
Arranged by Clark “Plazmataz” Powell. Original “Sarabande” by Erik “Jit” Scheele.
The original version of Sarabande is one of my all-time favorites (my opinion of it has only improved over time). Some remixes change a song completely, or overpower it with counter-melodies or instrumentation changeups. This isn’t a remix of the original track: it’s a love letter to it. A fantastic job, and my top track for the album.
By Clark “Plazmataz” Powell
A symphonic treatment for Serenade from Volume 8, also written by Plazmataz. This one feels a little more like a tune-up: the brief, plucked strings and harp melody give it a new dimension. A soaring, piano-led except from Ruins ends the piece on a strong note.
By Clark “Plazmataz” Powell
A return to the energy of the album’s start: this composition is similar to Overture, if not quite a continuation. It features a fanfare version of Homestuck, and though it’s neat to hear the melody treated a little differently, I think it works a little better on the more low-key side.
RATING: 10 / 13 – Virtually Ensconced In The Fold Of My Personal Mythology
The best (yet woefully inadequate) short description I can come up for it is this: it’s a professional, symphonic ‘Pops’ treatment for a few well-chosen Homestuck hits. It’s a bit on the short side, and the 'bang for the buck’ is a little steep compared to some of the other Homestuck solo albums (though still quite competitive with your typical digital music release).
My favorite part of this album is its subtlety, its nuance. Plazmataz has an entire symphony orchestra to work with. Yet you have moments like the intro to II - Sarabande, where the string section starts out almost sub-audibly, slowly rising for a full minute, right into the cello solo. His talent with the strings, in particular, is impressive.
Click here for individual song reviews for Symphony Impossible to Play.