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Pendragon - Utrecht ...The Final Frontier  CD (album) cover

UTRECHT ...THE FINAL FRONTIER

Pendragon

 

Neo-Prog

3.61 | 56 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
3 stars The Netherlands are really a country in which lots of "neo-prog" bands will be very much welcome and popular: Marillion, Arena, Fish, Pendragon... (although another love story will soon start for this band). The audience sounds very enthusisatic to the short song introductions of their charismatic leader : Nick Barrett. We'll even get some words in Dutch (very limited, I admit).

Not less than four songs come out their last album "The Window of Life". The central piece of a wonderful Pendragon trilogy. I guess more were played during this live set like "The Walls of Babylon" and its very controvertial intro (which I like very much BTW). But unfortunately, I won't get it here.

But "Breaking The Spell" as well as the great "The Last Man on Earth" will satify the lovers of their long and marvelous melodious songs. Nick brings so much passion, while being singing or when playing guitar ... just beautiful musical instants. "Am I Reading Losing You ?" will only confirm this. Just listen to the final guitar solo, and close your eyes.

I regret even more the abscence of "The Walls", when I listen to "Nostradamus" which was IMO, the weakest track of the studio work. One of the encores of the night preceeded by a very much football oriented mood from the Pendragon supporters !

This live album will feature two songs from "Kowtow". Their worst album. Fortunately, the title track which was the best and the longest one will be featured. But, "The Mask" really do not belong to the best of their discography. A rhythmy and poppish song. Maybe funny for an encore medley...

My favourite song from "The World" is featured as well : "Voyager". Another Pendragon jewel.

Like some of other great "neo-prog" bands (although I rank it in the symph category) like Arena or IQ, Pendragon does not sound very different on stage than in the studio but it is always pleasant to hear and see Nick's very emotional play. A wonderful souvenir.

The very short format of this live set (but I assume it was only part of it) and the appearance of two very average songs (out of seven) on this effort can not allow me to go higher than three stars. There will be better Pendagon live albums, don't worry.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 |

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