XTC - The Big Express - Atmos / 5.1 Blu-ray immersive review

After a few years hiatus from releasing immersive remixes, XTC is back with a deluxe edition of their brilliant seventh album, "The Big Express." Originally released in 1984, this concept album takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the industrial town of Swindon, interweaving the band's immense songwriting talents with the technological innovations of its time across a CD and Blu-ray.

Reimagined by the acclaimed mixing engineer Steven Wilson, this deluxe edition boasts a myriad of audio enhancements, including for the first time a Dolby Atmos mix of an XTC album, plus 5.1 Surround Sound and new hi-res stereo mixes that breathe new life into the classic tracks. While unconfirmed, It is noted that these mixes are 48kHz / 24-bit, matching the source material.

The heart of "The Big Express" lies in its captivating storytelling and autobiographical elements, reflecting the hopes, dreams, and memories of the band members. Join Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, and Dave Gregory as they invite listeners into their world through a vibrant post-punk soundscape.

Included in the 2-disc digipack sleeve is a 16-page booklet filled with behind-the-scenes insights and artwork, all elegantly enclosed in a stylish cardboard slip case, which follows the path of their previous deluxe edition releases.

Experience the nostalgia and brilliance of "The Big Express" through Swindon's industrial past, where engineering and railway accomplishments collide with XTC's signature musical styles. This reissue is a gem for fans, offering additional tracks and rare demo versions, each carefully remastered to deliver an exciting auditory experience.

Unearth a neglected classic of its era and celebrate the fusion of creativity and technology that made "The Big Express" an enduring masterpiece. These high-resolution versions of the album are a reignition of XTC's extraordinary musical legacy, transporting listeners back to an era of extremely innovative pop-rock sounds, brought to life with cutting-edge technology. Welcome aboard this sonic adventure, where the past meets the future in perfect harmony.

Scheduled for release September 22, 2023.

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 About the Author

Wesley is a lifelong music enthusiast. He started his career in the recording industry in New York City as an audio engineer, producer, and studio manager. Subsequently he toured across America as a guitarist with the short-lived band Land's Crossing. After many years in the technology sector and amassing a substantial vinyl and CD collection, he delved into immersive audio and created Hi-Res Edition to share with other listeners about the sound quality and discrete mixes available on many formats. He recently upgraded his system to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos and continues to seek out and share about the best sounding releases.