CHAOS FROM THE STAGE

This new DVD of Magenta contains tracks mostly taken from their last three albums. This concert is presented in the best picture quality you can have for a standard DVD, and in the almost perfect sound that let you enjoy every instrument almost like a studio album. The band offers a modern symphonic prog sound that doesn't bring something new, but the strong songwriting and great musicianship will capture your attention. Chris Fry guitar sound is quite remarkable sounding a lot in the territory of Steve Howe. So it's not a surprise to hear a huge Yes influence on the band's music. If I had to pick up some favorites on this 100 minutes concert, I would choose the epic "The Devil At The Crossroads" with his multi-movement going from the light and the more dynamic parts. "Guernica" from the album "Chameleon" that shift from the acoustic to the electric is another great track. From that same album, "R.A.W". show a darker and heavier side of the band, it works very well!. Finally, the other epic of that good album with the title track "Metamorphosis" conclude this interesting set-list. This another fine release for Magenta that is another nice addition to the band live releases.

Recorded Live at The Assembly, Leamington Spa on 21st November 2015, this DVD + CD set takes its title from the final song on the set, 'The Lizard King'. I don't have the CD, but have heard that the picture and camera quality is excellent, and given how good the sound is on this recording I wouldn't have expected anything less. Since they first started working together in 2001, singer Christina Booth and multi-instrumentalist Robert Reed have continually produced excellent albums, and it is a particular regret of mine that I never managed to catch them in concert, especially now I have heard this. Joining them in the band is Chris Fry (guitars), Dan Nelson (bass) and Andy Edwards (drums) and the over-arching feeling that one gets from playing this is that here is a band in total control at all times.

They all understand their roles, when to hang back and let someone else take the spotlight, so that there is always a feeling of space within the arrangements. The harmonies and some of the arrangements could have come from Floyd, other sections of songs could have come from Yes, but in reality it is solid Magenta, showing that there is still plenty of life in Seventies-style progressive rock. 'Lust', taken from the mighty 'Seven' (can't believe that album came out 14 years ago) moves all over the place, with the bass taking the song into new places, hoping that the drums will manage to keep up while Rob and Chris have a delicate battle. Then there is Christina, a singer who never fails to deliver, both in emotion and pitch, always in control. She lets the boys have their fun, but then always comes in with poise and grace, taking the song to another level. There is no doubt that Magenta are still one of the very top prog acts in the UK, and if you have somehow missed them then is the palce to start.