SUBTERRANEA - THE CONCERT

In my opinion, there's something special when a progressive band plays an album (especially a concept album) in it's entirety and presents it in the spirit with which it was created. Filmed live at the 013 in Tilburg, IQ performed Subterranea before a packed audience, and despite a major glitch mentioned in a previous review, the band appeared to enjoy themselves and the crowd enthusiastically responds.

As for the performance, the band seems to be firing on all cylinders and the theatrics really add to the spectacle. As the set opens, Peter Nicholls is on a platform at the back of a stage bathed in a light resembling a street grate as they break into a rumbling version of the title track. As a whole, the performance is tight and superbly executed and progresses nicely. Subterranea is such a brilliant album to begin with, but to see it live stirs the emotions. The performance of The Narrow Margin is worth it alone. The lights projected onto the screen resemble a swirling vortex with Nicholls planted right in the middle adds to the intensity. And as a personal favorite, it's always a pleasure to watch one of progressive musics most underrated, and that's bassist John Jowitt. The man plays a flawless bass. The set closes with Nicholls bathed under the light, just as the set opened.

The DVD comes with the usual extras, including the encores Human Nature and The Wake. The only flub is a string snapping on Holmes' guitar during Human Nature and you could tell that it bothered him to alter the solo.

All in all, a memorable performance. Guests include saxophonist Tony Wright and actor Michael O'Hara, who has a brief appearance as a hooded figure. Subterranea is my favorite IQ disc, so maybe I'm a bit biased in this review. IQ, however, approach their music in a very serious and business-like manner with no screwing around. It shows on this DVD.