LOVE.BLOOD.LIVE

True artists are difficult to find nowadays. I don't mean people that can simply make music, even well. I mean the real deal, those people that are saturated with eccentric-ism, and those people around the world that have an aura of creativity and imagination in everything they do. Hamlet Transportinae is one such individual, and he is rather proud of that fact. His 2013 album "Bleeding" was an excellent example of his eclectic, unique style, and that album even received an HD re-release through Melodic Revolution Records a few weeks ago.

So, on the heels of all that, Transport Aerian has released his first live album, "LOVE.BLOOD.LIVE". As you might have guessed, this isn't your normal live album. There are no cheers, applause, or any crowd noises at all. Plus, the entire show is put on by only two people: Hamlet and his friend Stefan. These two put on a fine show that includes plenty of real-time triggered programming, but also plenty of amazing instrumentation and splendid vocals. Like I said, "LOVE.BLOOD.LIVE" is not your normal live album.

But how does all this translate? Incredibly, the show goes on without a hitch, and it's often difficult to tell where the programming starts and ends. Another thing I've noted on each listen is how different the music sounds. Transport Aerian's sound is a rather unique mix of darkness, melancholy, wonderful guitars that range from riffing to soaring solos, synth that sounds unlike any I've heard, and Hamlet's accent-laden, rich voice. Yet, he messes with the structure and sound of many of the tracks, to great effect. The music sounds warmer, more inviting, and incredibly sophisticated. There is a poetic vibe to the whole "LOVE.BLOOD.LIVE" experience that sucks you in, and I think much of that may even come from the excellent sound and mix.

The track list is also a real treat. Some of my favorites off of "Bleeding" make an appearance, such as "Love", "Inspire", and "Winter", but also tracks that I'd never heard, such as "Minor Moody" and "Radio Void". The former three are tweaked and polished to perfection. Of greatest note is "Inspire", an excellent song that has been made into something even more spectacular through the use of a great mix, awesome programs, and a rethinking of some parts. It may be my favorite on this live album, especially because I appreciate the incredibly unique synth solo that is simultaneously catchy and hard to follow. The latter two tracks range from atmospheric to astonishingly bold and even heavy at parts. All the while, Hamlet excels in the vocal department, as his live voice seems to have even more personality and depth.

Transport Aerian's first live album, then, is a true success. "LOVE.BLOOD.LIVE" is interesting, never dull, and keeps even the fans on their toes. Whether it be the poetic readings of "Triangle Town" or the meatier version of "Winter", this album mixes up everything to a level of elegance, maturity, and refinement. If you are interested in unique, fresh progressive rock, I highly recommend this fine live album.