Symphonic Slam - Universe (1976)

Although it is not uninteresting by itself, Symphonic Slam's eponymous LP became a collectors curiosity for its historical value: it appears to be the first album to make extensive use of the guitar synthesizer. Leader Timo Laine pioneered the technology when it was still in its infancy stage, so this effort from 1976 may not entirely convince fans of Alan Holdsworth -- not because Laine is not a talented (although not exceptional) guitarist, but because of the limitations of the instrument. The guitarist is backed by drummer John Lowery and keyboardist David Stone. Symphonic Slam is full of the spirit of the '70s: bombastic arrangements, crosses between rock and fusion, lyrics about becoming better persons, etc. Laine's voice is close to Brian Auger's -- it delivers the goods, but has nothing distinctive -- while his music stands somewhere between Mahogany Rush, Santana, and Stanley Clarke. Highlights include the prog rock-ish "Universe" and the rock song "I Won't Cry." The French label Musea reissued Symphonic Slam in 2001. The master tapes show their age, unless the problem resides in the bass register of the synthesizer, but some basslines sound distorted. Aficionados of the guitar synth will want this album as a reference, but the music and attitude followed mainstream FM standards too closely to deserve any more attention.

Sleeve design by: Abdul Mati Klarwein (slideshow of his work)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Symphonic Slam
• \Progressive
• Rock
• Timo Laine

[Butterflysugarbaby09]

My Uncle Rob passed away in 97, he had alot of artwork and paintings he did over the years...a few days ago my Aunt (his sister) and I was going through his artwork, and I came across this poster, it said Symphonic Slam on it, I asked her what it was and she said it was the band my uncle was involved with..pretty cool

[deeperwaterz]

I was 14 when I heard this and so began my acid tripping days

[ColoradoHatesYou]

this song kicks ass

[Dinobotman]

Trippy images and awesome song, thanks for sharing man.

[dabcorn]

Yes, exactly. I don't mean the same performance by the same band, I mean the musical notes and arrangement are note for note identical - and whoever is not the composer of the original music is a plagiarist. Yes, the words are different, but that doesn't hold water in a copyright lawsuit. The 1974 Mercury Records LP lists Merryweather as the writer of both lyrics & MUSIC. This version is clearly a remake/theft of his music. Give creative credit where credit is due...

[lane2614]

@dabcorn Exactly???



[dabcorn]

Why does this - especially about 2:05 to 5:30 sound exactly like Neil Merryweather and the Space Rangers tune "King of Mars"?

[funkfanzzify]

Nice collection of Klarweins work, I have never seen al his albumcoverdesigns. Thanks

[ruseartifice]

I dont mean to poke in your private matters, but 99% if not all of these images are of alchemical natures, so much so in fact I nearly jumped out of my chair when I seen them. This is good stuff. If you have no idea what I'm refering, lookup alchemist or tree of life.

[Luckzzz]

@Vox572X I try my best to advice people. 2012 is real. So real that they built the 'Norwegian "End of the World" Vault'.. But they will not survive. You can build the best vault in the world. The best bunker. The gamma rays will enters in every hole in earth. It is written. Just accept the change. Don't fear the death. There's no such thing. Your soul last forever. Your body NOT! Just be prepared 'cause we don't have too much time. I know this 'cause I know a contactee.. Peace and be loved!

[Vox572X]

@Luckzzz i think in this fucking Way too! lets change all this in 2012!, Wait is not the case, help the people you know to find the way just showing to they what good you know^^ is not too much but is fine=) if anyone do this all the good things will spread and change the mind of all people and the Dream( or the oposite") world we live!

thanks if you do it^^