LOOP CD review: Erdem Helvacioglu's Altered Realities

["Rick Walker" <looppool@cruzio.com>]

    Every now and then a recording becomes , perfectly, the
sound track for a period in one's life.    The music for such a rare 
occurence
has to not only stand up to the test of repeated listenings but it must 
also 
be deep
and beautiful enough to grow on you each time you hear it.

Erdem Helvacioglu's lovely and profound recording, Altered Realities (music
for guitar and electronics) was on repeat play in my rental van during the
whole two weeks before and after the recent Y2K7 Live Looping Festival.

When I was relaxing, it proved incredibly stimulating, both intellectually
and aesthetically.   When I was stressed out it was just as equally 
soothing
to listen to.

Erdem is a profound budding talent.  He has the ability to combine 
beautiful
consonant harmonies and melodies on his acoustic Ovation guitar (which
he wields with sure and deft hands) with modern, dissonant electronic
backing tracks.

In many attempts to pull off such a hybrid feat,  many composers prove 
adept
with one side of the equation yet appear sophomoric with the other side.

It is testimony to Erdem's artistry that he he exceeds admirably with
both.   He somehow manages to sound beautifully classic while at the same
time appearing as cutting edge as it possible:  no mean feat.

This is not a good record,  it is a great one.  Keep your eye on this
important new artist and go buy this recording today.  You'll be glad
you did.

Rick Walker
November 1st, 2007