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ONCE ABOVE A TIME (DVD)Steve HackettEclectic Prog4.36 | 79 ratings |
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![]() The opening storm of "Valley of the Kings" sets the tone with brash symphonics entwined with a slight Egyptian feel, almost expecting some Mummy to appear from the stage. The usual suspects are phenomenally shimmering (Ace of Wands, Firth of Fifth (wow!) , Spectral Mornings, Every Day, Clocks, Los Endos, Blood on the Rooftops, Fly on a Windshield) which comes as no surprise, all being classic pieces that will live on forever. The lesser known tunes are rather attention-grabbing with "Mechanical Bride" furiously veering into almost King Crimson Red period, a definite harsh experimental edge that really screeches, controlled frenzy at its best. "Darktown" has a similar gloom laden atmosphere, full of symphonic dread, with Halloweenish effects and Rob Townsend throwing in some saxy ravings and "Slogans" displaying a manic maelstrom of twists and turns that frankly can only astound. At the other end of the spectrum, "Brand New" is gently lilting with an almost Camelesque flair, bright and sunny with harmony vocals that lift the spirit. "Circus of Becoming" has a whimsical feel announcing the lighter side of Hackett's body of work, yet includes a blistering guitar solo and then with "Frozen Statues", diving into some improv pastels from piano, flute and sax. "Serpentine Song" delves into gorgeous melodies, flute leading the way, a mist of relaxing splendor that is oh so British, simplicity incarnate. The bass propelled jam "Air-Conditioned Nightmare", gives both King and Hackett the platform to flesh out their considerably talents. There is nary a weak or boring moment, the pace always exhilarating, a true magical concert experience. The beaming smiles from the Hungarian audience reveal a mixture of awe, respect, deep enjoyment and complicity. That sight alone makes this DVD worth the purchase, passing along the warm afterglow to those who weren't in Budapest on April 3, 2004. Certainly one of the finest prog video documents out there. 5 kims
tszirmay |
5/5 |
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