BREAKFAST IN BIARRITZ

'Breakfast in Biarritz' is the second live album by British neo-proggers, sometimes referred to as a supergroup, Arena, released in 2001, after four excellent and compelling studio albums filled with killer material. Several lineup changes up to that point, ultimately leading to the following five musicians playing on this release: John Mitchell on guitars and backing vocals, Clive Nolan on keyboards and backing vocals, Mick Pointer on the drums, Ian Salmon on bass, and the tremendously good Rob Sowden on vocals (to me the best incarnation of the band, although the contributions of all other members throughout the years could hardly be left unappreciated!).

If this live album had to be summarized in just a few words, they would sound something like this: an excellent set, a pretty balanced and interesting selection of songs from an already-rich catalogue, played flawlessly by five tremendous musicians that care about their craft, both musically and lyrically. Kicking off the evening is the 20-minute epic 'Moviedrome' - one of the more interesting longer prog songs of the new century, very sinister and gloomy, yet not as accomplished as something like 'Close to the Edge' or 'Foxtrot'; Needless to say, the band starts their concert on a high note!

This is followed by 'Crack in the Ice', or more of a shorter and faster version of it, pretty interesting and a bit unnerving. 'Double Vision' comes next, another song from 'The Visitor' album that leads to 'Midas Vision', one of the lesser-known tracks by the band, but a true gem in their catalogue. John Mitchell's solo moment, known as 'Serenity' introduces the nearly 10-minute 'Butterfly Man' from the then-new album 'Immortal?', which flows into another Arena classic - 'The Hanging Tree', a pretty regular number in their live sets. Time for more songs from 'The Visitor', as 'A State of Grace' and 'Enemy Without' make their appearance on the album, that will finish off with the anthemic 'Crying for Help VII', at the end of which the audience can be heard singing the chorus.

Of course, the band returns for three more songs (that are featured on the 'Bonus disc') and these are 'Chosen', 'Elea' and 'Friday's Dream'. Once again, interesting selection for the setlist focusing, as could be expected, on the band's most recent couple of studio albums. And to conclude, 'Breakfast in Biarritz' is highly recommended not only for fans of Arena and neo-prog, but to rock fans in general, and virtually anyone who might be interested in what this band sounds like... on stage!