SOMEWHERE IN LONDON

Finally got around to watching this DVD and what a joy. We were at one of the shows but ended up sitting half way up the upper circle surrounded by people who seemed to have ants in their pants (a long story why we got there so late involving flying the length of the country and then driving it back). As a result we felt somewhat detatched from the show.

It is therefore a joy to revisit the show. Firstly, it is worth noting that the sound and picture quality is superb. The way in which footage from the crowd is mixed in with shots from on high is excellent. You really do get the feel that you are part of it.

Real pleasures are an outing for the rarity The Release and the superb Neverland - that song remains my most favourite EVER!! The version of Ocean Cloud is spell binding. Great moments are captured when, for instance, Steve Rothery realises that they are going to play 'Sugar Mice' and he was ready to play a different track. Indeed the performance of 'Sugar Mice' was memorable on the night - the entire crowd singing every word and Steve Hogarth only giving the odd clue as to when everyone should sing each verse. With the solos for both 'Sugar Mice' and 'Easter' you have a masterclass in progressive soloing!

The second disc also contains the somewhat bizarre Racket Club Rehearsals. Some lucky people won the opportunity to go to the Racket Club to listen to the band practicing for a radio show. You'd think that they'd look more excited while the songs are being played. I guess that the whole experience was just so surreal, sitting on cushions surrounded by your favourite band - they look so totally fazed.

Overall this is a superb bit of progressive rock video and an excellent introduction to what Mariliion is like currently. It contains too many of the songs off 'Somewhere Else' and the 'Rehearsals' bit is all a bit wierd, so overall I would give four stars, though if you loved 'Somewhere Else' it is probably a five star video.