Last night, from 11:00PM until 3:30AM, I laid down drum tracks for the AGS EP. Paul and I decided it would be worth recording during these ungodly hours mainly for the purpose of preventing bleed from neighboring band rehearsals. It turns out that it really doesn't matter what time you think is the most beneficial time, because there will always be a band rehearsing at whatever time we need to be recording.
Example: For the DP drum tracks, we figured that early Sunday morning would be beneficial, as it would be very unlikely for anyone to be rehearsing--wrong! It just so happens that an aspirant Metallica-meets-DragonForce band (-80 skill points) was practicing directly next to us! Last night was no exception. We were able to go a couple of hours without interruption, but then a Hawaii Five O on LSD group starting performing at about 1AM and continued throughout the night/early morning. Oh well . . . the band served as our amusement, and the input levels were low enough that we didn't pickup any detrimental bleed.
The recording process itself went really well, despite being fairly exhausted and still reeling from a bit of post-migraine brain decay. We recorded four main tunes: The Way We Are, The Gift, Tumbling and Windows; and one improv/studio written tune that we decided to hammer out as a potential instrumental/album closer. It was thrilling to experiment with this tune--tentatively entitled Gory C*ntasaurus--as we were able to effectively convey an improvisational vibe that is truly the core of our work together. When Paul and I get together to play, it's always natural and effortless, and there's certainly never a shortage of new ideas. Hopefully this AGS EP will be a foundation for which we continue to create additional material.
Sound wise, we're both stoked with the raw tones captured--especially the snare, kick and overheads. The toms sound great, too, but there's something meaty and everpresent about the kick and snare, which are the backbone of a good drumsound anyway. Major props to Paul for providing a relaxed, efficient and fun recording experience. His schooling is really paying off!
Next up, guitars, bass and vocals. I'll also be laying down bass and vocals for the DP EP hopefully in the next few weeks (prior to Xmas would be grandiose).
