“The session in Liechtenstein was like Living The Dream” – SWR1
The Fantastischen Vier are back and have freshly recorded their old hits. Her new album with the old classics “The Liechtenstein Tapes” is out now.
14 of their early hits were re-recorded together with an eight-piece live band in the Principality of Liechtenstein. According to Thomas D, the atmosphere in the studio could not have been more relaxed and he really enjoyed the work.
The special thing about the album is that the songs were recorded with the help of the band exactly as the fantasies always play them live. At first the band wasn’t very enthusiastic about re-recording the old songs. The idea was suggested to them by management.
But then it turned out that the old songs could be breathed new life through the new recording techniques and the mature voices of the group. “That’s good for the songs. They deserve it,” explains Thomas D.
When is something new coming?
The band will probably always come up with something new. It just takes a long time to implement. Thomas D. tells us that they are currently working on a brand new Fanta album. He’s optimistic it could come out this year. The work in Liechtenstein also helped them: “That also welded the band together again and connected us with our live band”.
Fanta 4 forever baby
If Thomas D has his way, the Fanats will still perform when they’re old men. He heard they hold the world record for introducing the hip-hop band. “Then we also define the moment when it’s time to stop,” says the musician.
Nevertheless, the pressure to deliver something new and creative is high for all band members. “But at the same time you’re getting more and more experienced,” says Thomas D. After all, the Fantastischen Vier have developed a good routine over the years so that they can keep going.
New versions that sound very familiar
Listening to the newly recorded hit “Die Da” you may find that not much has changed apart from Smudo’s more mature voice. That’s how it was planned. For example, the songs are now closer to the live versions that the fantasists play on stage. Of course, thanks to more modern recording techniques, the quality has improved significantly.