"Matrix Express" by Shawn Farquhar
Suggested Retail USD$50.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

"Matrix Express", a new release by Shawn Farquhar, is not just a killer matrix that will pop eyes right out of their sockets, but three routines that will have your spectators talking about your magic, and you, for a good, long time. Farquhar, using a set of props gorgeous to behold, let alone create routines around, has made the best use of a simple principle that not only stuns but also makes doing his material simpler than you can expect.

Or, put another way, this is wonderful stuff that is an absolute steal and you'll be kicking yourself for not getting this when you had the chance, even if you're not into coin work at all.

That's right: this is coin work without the coins and without all the taxing sleights you associate with coin work. Other than a couple of easy moves here and there, there's little work involved, making this a great idea of those wanting to add the style and class of coin routines but don't trust their sleight work. While I don't recommend this for absolute beginners -- you'll need some experience with certain aspects of performing, such as blocking and angles -- it is a great way to branch out a little and do something different.

Speaking of different, Farquhar has supplied us with some great props here. You get four beautifully made poker chips that are wonderfully made and perfectly weighted for the routines. Honestly, I love these things more than the traditional half-dollars. They handle easily, don't talk except in the very slightest of whispers, and just generally feel great in the hands. They are a bit thicker than halves and lack ridges on the edge so they're definitely not for every coin routine known to mankind, but for most of them they are a nice replacement. I'm not going to say a lot about the major gimmick because there's not a whole lot to say that doesn't go right into tipping things. Let's just say it's very well made, simple to use, and will last a long time with proper care.

Okay, on to the material.

Farquhar gives us three routines using his props. The weakest of the lot -- a "3-Fly" routine that is incredibly easy and leaves you perfectly clean -- is only weak because it's in the same collection as two stronger routines. "Fly" can be thought of as a "3 Fly" for the rest of us, with the "Matrix Express" props in play, no expensive gimmicks, and a handling that is simple to master.

Next up, the titled "Matrix Express". This is a four-coin-four-card standard matrix, with the flashiest thing being just all-out, pedal-to-the-metal, greased-lightning speed. Farquhar's routine is so fast, it's sudden. And yet, masterfully, Farquhar keeps it visual and clean -- the spectators are never lost but, boy, they lose their grip on reality quickly enough. This is a brilliant matrix with a simple working and beautiful routining.

But the real thing that got me wasn't the titled effect; the winner on here -- or at least tied with "Matrix Express" -- is "Photo Finish". This thing is surreal, with the poker chips seemingly coming out of and going back into a photograph of your hand (said photographs supplied). I don't know what I was expecting from this routine, but when I saw it, I fell for it hard. This is truly magical stuff.

Now, there are prices to be paid for these routines. Angles are an issue at times and, as with most matrix routines, you'll want to have a close-up mat handy or at least a covered table. Probably the big one for most will be a certain clothing requirement. I hate clothing requirements. I loathe them. I cringe thinking about them. The requirement here though is very, very light (no, you don't need to wear a jacket, or a particular color, or perform brain-surgery-like alterations on clothing you already wear) and didn't even make me blink twice. Worry more about the table covering instead.

But those are the only things to worry about here. These are workers, extremely commercial, and pack a punch with very little hassle. In other words, "Matrix Express" is a keeper.

This one I highly recommend. Period.

Oh, by the way... the poker chips. If you don't like them, you can purchase coins with the same properties at most magic shops or online; they're very common. Farquhar's routines and gimmick will work perfectly with them. Personally, I'd stay with the chips just to be different, but that's just me.

"Matrix Express" by Shawn Farquhar
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

Practicality: 8
Three things: you'll need to adhere to a very small clothing requirement; you'll want a table with at least a cloth on it; and there is a small angle problem you'll need to manage. All other considerations are of no concern: reset, set-ups, repeatability... everything is great here.

Workmanship: 10
The chips are beautifully made, as is the gimmick. This is an impressive set of materials done perfectly.

Documentation: 10
Farquhar is nothing if not enthusiastic and he's rightfully proud of his work here. That leads to a little bit of zealous repetition, but he leaves nothing left to chance here and teaches everything beautifully.

Effect: 10
It's a very straightforward, quick-as-lightning matrix, but it's so clean it's scary. This one almost guarantees dropped jaws and stunned silence, followed by a whole range of expletives.

Presentation: 10
Farquhar is a national treasure when it comes to his presentations. He uses every tool at his disposal and then some. Here, he manages to marry the visuals with the verbals and it's a wonderful thing.

Shane

Available direct from your favorite dealer. Dealers, please contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-853-7403 or visit Murphy's Magic Supplies website.