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.
By Clark “Plazmataz” Powell
The strummed mandolin in the first half inspires visions of calm Mediterranean beaches. The second half skews a little more cheerful, shifting the scene to Caribbean shores with a bit of calypso rhythm. With a pretty strong honorable mention to Rain, this one’s my top track for the album.
By Clark “Plazmataz” Powell
With that rising, funky violin intro, it makes a perfect accompaniment for the discovery of a new world. The song rolls in waves. At times it’s improvisational and muted, only to be followed later by another crescendo.
… wow, I did really describe a violin-driven introduction as ‘funky’. I’ve got no better words, so there it is.
By Clark “Plazmataz” Powell
Image source: Homestuck.
The main rhythm sounds like it’s played by inevitable grinding gears, or maybe an elevator making its way down to an unfathomable horror. The violin melody brings with it a bit of an Eastern vibe.
By Clark “Plazmataz” Powell
Starts off with a light melody, yet surrounded by impending danger. The artificial sonic beat in the middle is cool, but my favorite part’s the outtro. With that unsettling, ultra-low synth growl behind the bouncy piano melody, the final two minutes is a dead ringer for a song that John could have played to wake up his denizen.
By Clark “Plazmataz” Powell
The thin, reedy soprano synth melody gives it a new-age feel, but sort of in distress, what with the malicious percussion in the back. I had to replay it a couple of times to catch the Westminster Chimes in the middle around 3:10: the melody is there, but the key’s so different from the rest of the song, it almost hides in plain sight.
RATING: 9 / 13 – reminds me mUch of home. so peacefUl
Well, Calliope might think that this album is peaceful, but that’s probably only because she grew up on the blasted ashes of Earth long after its demise.
Medium is the first solo album by Clark “Plazmataz” Powell. It’s primarily symphonic and atmospheric in tone. Many of the songs contrast a high, natural, treble melody against a deep, synthetic, industrial background.
And there’s a lot of ambient effects and sound scattered throughout. It’s very professionally done: always to enhance a track, never to overwhelm it. The effects bounce between natural (rolling waves from Light, showers from Rain) and otherworldly (the quasi-industrial synth noises from Heat, the main melody from Clockwork).
Given the album’s title, it does very well to set a mood, to describe each of the particular settings it targets. And as a bit of background music, it excels.
Click here for individual song reviews for Medium.