Search - Edgar Froese :: Beyond the Storm

Almost A New Album

Robert Carlberg | Seattle | 03/12/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Of the 28 tracks here, 16 are previously unreleased, and the rest are extensively reworked with "new timbres." Consequently "Beyond The Storm" comes off less as a compilation than as a whole new album based upon old themes. If you're a fan of Froese or TD this is a nice slice of that pie.However not all of Edgar's frequent excesses are reined in -- there are some interminable guitar solos, some questionable sequences, and at almost two and a half hours you're likely to tire of it well before it's over.Plus, the liner notes -- a hagiographic "essay" by Mark Prendergast -- had me howling in the aisles. He correctly recounts the lack of chart success of Edgar's solo work, but his explanations range from plausible (out of favor in a punk market) to howlingly implausible (released at the same time as a Steve Miller Band album which took all the wind out of its sails). A much better survey of the Dream's journey, both highs AND lows, can be had inside the "Dream Sequence" compilation on Virgin.Still, this set deserves at least 3 stars for its careful assembly, gorgeous graphics, and a healthy dollup of Edgar's best work. It's bargain priced as well."