Why vinyl ? Why a new mix?
During the Bandcamp listening party for the original CD release, Gary Schwartz, avid fan of Colouratura since the very beginning, approached us about creating a vinyl version of "WTF Was That?!"
Some weeks later, I approached him and he agreed to fund the project in full. The only stipulation? Gary wanted a copy of "WTF Was That?!" on vinyl for himself. I was gobsmacked by his generous offer to say the least, but quickly I got the team together. Eric Kearns (layout designer) was in, Melodic Revolutions Records expressed interest in distribution, all systems go ! I contacted Steve from Cuneiform Records, whom I'd done work for for vinyl, and got a solid recommendation on a pressing plant. All looked good.
But then it hit me, was this the right opportunity to revisit the mix ??
The story goes, when I mixed the CD version of "WTF Was That!?" it was on the dying breaths of a 2017 MacBook that hadn't been updated in some years. Sessions were constantly crashing. I had to bounce songs mastered, review on an iPod, and then make further changes. NOT an ideal way to work but I persevered. I suffered for my art !
With the completion of Refestramus' "Intourist" album, I had saved enough funds to afford a brand new 2023 MacBook, bells and whistles included. I also upgraded all of my plugins and got the latest greatest version of Protools.
So in late '23, I set off remixing the album for vinyl and finished early '24. I think the result is a much fuller, richer experience with dynamics that leap out of the grooves. When I got the test pressings I was really knocked out, this IS the superior version of the album and its far closer indeed to my original intent.
And before you accuse me of George Lucas level crimes against my own art ... :-) I will confess to a number of 'sins'
1. Even though I upgraded all the same plugins, sometimes they didn't always get recognized by the software. So some effects (especially vocal) may NOT be identical to the CD mix.
2. There has been some slight 'AI' manipulation done to the lower vocal parts on "Mothman." I ran these past Nathan James (composer) and he said he loved them and that this mix is much closer to what he had in his head.
3. "Sleeping Giant" has been shortened by a third of its runtime, due to the limitations of the vinyl format. Even with this edit this record is a pushing the limits of the format (26 mins on side 2). I don't think this edit really 'hurts' the composition. I followed instructions originally provided by Derek Pavlic (who is responsible for the demo of this song), and it matches his original intent.
4. The CD mixes are still the canonical ones ! So take a deep breath. I'm not gonna smash every copy with a hammer and force you to buy this one. However, *this* mix is my preferred way to experience the album. :-) I'm sure you will have you own preferences and that is cool.
Thanks for your interest and continuing support of the Colouratura experiment, and I hope you enjoy this record !
PRESS:
“The band's music is more progressive than progressive. The album offers a sound that is more like so-called ‘mixture rock’ than ‘progressive rock,’ as if their musical tastes are all stewed together. What awaits the listener after listening to the playful and free-spirited arrangements, which will betray the listener's expectations? This is a work that you should definitely hear for yourself.”
- CDs Vinyl Japan Store
“The results are vertiginous – blissed-out and blessed in the music’s festive concern: let’s just hope the “was” in “WTF Was That?!” doesn’t mean this record is the group’s last.”
-
dmme.net review
“This does not seem like a modern recording at all, as there is something about it which cries analogue as opposed to digital and playing a download just seems wrong as this should be vinyl, nothing less. This is music which has been allowed to breathe and move in whatever direction it needs to.”
- Kev Rowland, ProgArchives Review
“This is their fourth release and they are making waves with their 'off the wall' music and sounds. I find this to be a real treat for all listeners. I must admit, they have a great '70's sound, Are they true hippies in 2023?”
- Jim Allford, Steel Notes Magazine