ARRIVING SOMEWHERE...

To reiterate what has already been said, the mix on this DVD is no less than superb. Steven Wilson again creates a near-perfect sound that both balances each instrument and captures the energy of a live concert. With this said, though, a brilliant mix does not necessarily make for a masterpiece. Unfortunately, the setlist here leans more toward the heavy side of Porcupine Tree, which has never worked for me as much as their more atmospheric, nostalgic sentiments. Granted, the heavier tunes are played masterfully and serve their purpose well here, but it is the timeless works of nostalgia like "Trains" and "Even Less" that bring shades of masterpiece to this recording. In fact, the band's playing of "Trains" (broken guitar string and all) is one of the single best live recordings I've ever heard. Nevertheless, I find that the concert is a bit too weighed down with less emotional, all-too-similar bass-driven tracks that lack the chills usually brought on by pieces like the conspicuously missing "Lightbulb Sun" or "Waiting: Phase I."

Nevertheless, the playing, mix, direction, and artistic effects are just too good to warrant a rating less than four stars. For me, the fact that the musicians stray from their studio solos and reinterpret them for the live recording is enough to make this DVD worthy of an excellent rating. In short, I would have liked to have seen as much of a balance in the setlist as there is in the mix, but I'll take what this great band has given me, and what they have given is pretty damn good.