FAR FROM HOME

Following the release in 2008 of the critically acclaimed (and mighty fine) DeeExpus début album "Half way home", founder Andy Ditchfield decided that it would be a good idea to play some live gigs. The only problem was that he had recorded the album virtually single handed, with vocalist Tony Wright being the only other full band member as such. Thus he set about putting together a proper band line up, calling in bassist Ian Raine and second lead guitarist, Steve Wright (Tony's brother), both of whom had made gust contributions to the studio album. The line up was completed by drummer Kev Jager and keyboard player Marc Jolliffe.

The band's fist official gig took place in late 2008, but this set from February 2009, recorded in Katowice, Poland, represents the first opportunity for most of us to witness a performance the band.

With only one album release to their name, it is not surprising that all the tracks from "Half way home" are included here, albeit in a completely different sequence. There is little variation from the originals, the focus being on tight renditions which capture the essence of their studio counterparts. One excellent bonus though is the inclusion of one non album track, "Red" (not the King Crimson song). This turns out to be one of the highlights of the set, the audience reaction afterwards reflecting the power and majesty of the piece. In a lighter, bizarre moment during the gig, after the song, the band ask the audience to pose for a photo taken from the stage!

The main set closes with the 17 minute title track from "Half way home", a modern day prog classic indeed. The encore contains the two songs from the album not thus far performed.

It seems this performance was part of a prog festival in Katowice, so the audience was not there just to see DeeExpus. On that basis, and remembering that the audience would at best be only vaguely familiar with any of the music, it is to the credit of both band and audience that the performance is received with such enthusiasm.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to hear DeeExpus, I would recommend either the studio album or this live set as an excellent introduction. Whether you're a fan of Porcupine Tree, Marillion, or something more neo-symphonic such as IQ or Pendragon, the music here will undoubtedly impress.

The set runs to around 70 minutes in total, with the DVD extras consisting of a lengthy documentary plus an interview with Andy Ditchfield and Tony Wright. There's also the usual text biography, discography (brief!), photos etc.

With due thanks to Metal Mind Productions, whose attention to detail in recording and packaging the DVD is well up to their usual exemplary standards.