It has been about 10 years since I've heard of anything from Barry Schrader, the last being his eclectic 'Barnum Museum' (2012), which I positively reviewed here. 'Lost Analog' is a collection of pieces created from 1972 through 1983, using the Buchla 200 analog modular synthesizer, also known as “The Electric Music Box.” The music contained in this 'Lost Analog' album was originally created in 4 channels, sometimes referred to as quadraphonic sound. Parts of these works were indeed "lost" as in never recovered. This experimental electronic album is divided into four parts - 1. "DEATH OF THE RED PLANET SUITE" (10:05); 2. 'BESTIARY' - Introduction and Assemblage (6:58), Sea Serpents (6:02), The Unicorn (5:39), Basilisks (7:32), Return and Exit (5:29); 3. 'CLASSICAL STUDIES' - Canon (1:52), Chorale (2:50), Perpetuum Mobile (1"18); 4. 'MOON-WHALE SUITE' - "The Moon-Oak" (5:29), "The Moon-Bull" (7:21), Moon-Wings (5:02). The first section is tumultuous with spiraling upswept LFOs, speaker-shaking noise quakes to a shuddering conclusion, then a long aftermath of slow entropy. Entering the 'Bestiary' controlled feedback sets the tone for this wonderium, but of course this is the Buchla's version of feedback with its metallic sheen amidst blips and bumps. This is a strange sort of ambience that builds into something wholly alien and fractious, and a little bit frightening. (Those sea serpents aren't to be trifled with!) The Unicorn, on the other hand, offers something more placid, yet mysterious. Basilisks slink around and try to stun you with their gaze, and it's a real dance to avoid their stoning eyes. Now all you have to do is find your way out of this place - in the dark no less! It's a crazy, chaotic stumble to the exit, but somehow you made it out alive.

The 'Classical Studies' section is probably the closest thing you might expect from an old school experimental electronic album with a Buchla 200, and while not my favorite section on the album. still has its own merit. Whether calm or turbulent, this section certainly shows what the Buchla 200 is capable of in the right hands. Of all the works on the album, the 'Moon-Whales Suite' seems to be the most fully realized. It is elegant and sublime with an aura of mystery, yet not so abstract as to alienate the listener. The thrilling and trilling conclusion actually does give "Moon Wings" to Whales, if you can imagine that. This is an album for those who appreciate modern experiemental electronic music and the Buchla 200 analog modular synthesizer. Well done!