LIVE IN BUDAPEST

The first live album by dutch prog rockers Flamborough Head was recorded during the Miniprog Festival, february, 2007, at A38 Avenue on the Danube, Budapest. Having released four great, outstanding studio albums I was curious of how they sounded live. I was not disappointed.

For most of the album they prove they are as good on stage as they are on studio. In fact sometimes they are so precise you´d think you´re actually hearing a sutdio recording that some applause were added latter. It´s amazing how they manage such cirurgical reproduction live. And to be frank, some songs did get better live, with some extra punch and dynamics, like Limestock Rock, Silent Stranger and Captive Of Fate. Bassist Marcel Derix is more prominent here than on records with some great bass runs and the ever creative Spanninga adds some new colors on his already broad pallete of keyboards sounds.

Overall the only negative aspect of the album is the lack of earlier tracks, most of the songs are drawn from their two later albums. Only Garden Of Dreams was chose from their second album, and Margriet Boomsma voice (plus added flute) works really fine on that one, making one wonders how interesting it would be if she sang more of their excellent, 90´s stuff like Xymphonia or Schoolyard Fantasy. Oh, well, I guess you can´t always get what you wanted. Maybe someday. Production and sound are also very good.

Live In Budapest is the proof that Flamborough Head is nowadays one of the best prog bands around. A brilliant mix of melody, great technique and superb musicanship put together to work with inspiration and fine songwriting. A tight band, where everything and everyone work for the music. Like early Genesis, all falls into place beautifully with no ego battles nor unnecessary noodling. Their music is bigger than the sum of its parts.

Highly recommended for any prog fan. 4,5 stars.