SYNCROSECT

Crossbreed audio-visual experience could be undertitle for this “project”. No, not video-clips, not the visualisations from your computer media-player, and certainly not paint and oil blobs projection on the wall of a warehouse where a rave is taking place.This is something so much more.

Instead of creating algorithm to react to beats and pitches to colourise the screen or creating a (so over-used in trance scene) vivid colour tunnel, Alex Courtney a.k.a. The Shapeshifter simply dismembered Mr. Peculiar’s music and animated the sounds. Simple. And revolutionary.

I’ll get back to Alex’s creation later, let me introduce you to music that is a base for this superb artwork. Mr. Peculiar is known in trance scene for his stunning “Elements” album. When you compare his music to Doof, Darshan or other similar style psy-trance grands and you’re not far off, that means quality. On this..hm.. album, six tracks of strong bass psy-trance could take you on a journey even without visual support: ‘Incredible Actions’ starts this DVD from 3rd gear and accelerating. No stopping from there, slowing down for etherial moment only, in form of escapades in superb ‘Emerging Light’. As innovative as you can be within the boundaries of what makes psy recognisable, his compositions don’t go far from classic beat/bass sequences and flowing melodies. When it’s shaped well, trance works as catalyst for adrenaline burn, so you’ll have a good amount of it spent on Syncrosect DVD. ‘Jedi Of Psy’ takes care of that, as well as the best track, ‘Herbal Hour’.

Back to visuals:

It is kind of hard to watch the screen when you’re bouncing and dancing around the TV like you’re watching workout programme, but, given the fact that images are truly interesting, I wondered what comes next and kept my eyes focused as much as I could. And I saw projectiles, particles, a dragon made of fire, space cruiser and a group of weird-looking humanoids dancing. And more.
Alex’s ‘straight programming’ technique gave stunning results: every sequence and sound has it’s own visual pair, all with certain theme and scenario. So, no boring tunnels, no aimless colour patterns and hallucinoid shapes. This is NOT an average video-clip collection, this is artwork. True, psychedelic trance does have it’s limitations and The Shapeshifter had to use repetitions, but they’re kept to a minimum level. Maneuvering space is used 100%, as well as colour palettes – vibrancy also is 100%, but not too distracting.
The most impressive are the ‘main characters’ that keep clips interesting and focused. From ‘Jedi Of Psy’ computer-game like spaceship born out of water(or similar liquid), to motley characters that dance to the beat and move and groove (Norse mythology-like lime coloured bull, blue Yoda-like child(?), flaming-eyes-blue-mustache-70ies-dressed dude and others), you’ll enjoy their guidance through worlds of Syncrosect. And these worlds have futuristic pistons, accellerators and other machines and contraptions inside. Disneyworld is uninventive, this is a place to have fun in.

This artwork takes audio-visual experience to a new level. Multidimensional and fresh, Syncrosect project proves that it can be done, this true connection between music and image. Will more people use this idea? Highly unlikely, because it takes too much time and dedication to create animation for every single sound. So, all praises to The Shapeshifter and Mr. Peculiar for pioneer spirit and energy, as well as for putting to life a truly living animatied experience.