I was sent this material to review with emphasis that it was recorded completely analog (sadly I was delivered mp3s so there are some digital artifacts that I’m listening to.) That said this blog deals primarily with DIY, Home, and project studio work and in most cases today that also means digital recording. With our further ado, the review for “Beneath & Beyond” by Standfast.
standfast unknown video

Let’s get one thing out of the way, in my opinion drums always sound exceptionally better coming off of tape. There is a fullness in the kick and a smoothness of the highs and cymbals that complements a drum kit very well. I’m glad to hear that they left most of the drum processing to the tape.

In most cases the the guitar is bland, but don’t think the album ever really aims to showcase the guitar, so all in all it sits well and serves a purpose. (Beginning of “Getting Off” show a bit of the potential guitar sounds).

I like the various keyed instruments very much, and though this is an all analog recording I think it exudes a lot for freshness by good multipart music writing and interesting instrumentation.

The vocal layering is also a highlight. Sounds like good levels were brought to tape as the hiss is very low in the recording (hi tech mastering may also get the credit for this).

All in all though what I would suggest most to listeners/readers of this blog should listen to is the sound of the drums. I think this recording it good example of what we want to try and get our drums to sound like using plug-ins like Analog Channel by McDSP and other plug-ins used to add analog warmth.

A very nice recording from Junk Musik, and Standfast.