SCREENS - LIVE IN LONDON

First, I'm only partly familiar with the output of this British band. And I might also add that live albums are not usually my cup of tea, I prefer having the picture too (the DVD, that is). But despite that preference, I'm pleased to have this gig at least on CD. Panic Room plays melodic and elegant Neo Prog with a very good female singer (Anne-Marie Helder). Some members were originally in KARNATAKA, and as far as I know these two bands are rather similar in style. Of course there are several other female-fronted Neo Prog acts, such as Magenta, Iamthemorning, IoEarth, etc. Panic Room may not be the proggiest of them, but easily among the most pleasant and satisfying, if you appreciate lightness instead of edginess in modern prog rock.

This double CD contains the whole concert recorded at London's Islington Assembly Hall, 16th October 2016. The set list of two hours and 23 minutes seems pretty fine. The sound quality is faultless, and as there are no extra editing, the listener can imagine being there on the gig. Anne-Marie, who's probably also pictured on the cover (she plays additional guitar), has a warm contact on the audience, and the whole band is in an excellent shape. As I know only one studio album throughout (Skin), I can't really say how well the set has been chosen. No weak songs included. There are two newer albums after Skin, which is also represented by many songs. An excellent set of melodic Neo Prog, recommended to all who enjoy light prog with female singers.