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Making for another performance taped at the Wyspianski
Theater in Katowice, Poland, (just like Neo's Broadcast and
Pendragon's Past and Presence DVDs among others), It's almost
as if that majestic venue is becoming the big European venue
for neo-progressive rock. Almost paralleling the release of
Yesterday Is A Friend (the sophomore album), the Warsaw quintet
Believe has released first concert film showcasing their brand
of neo-progressive rock. ***
Dark, sophisticated, and emotional, the band which features
ex-members of Collage, Mr. Gill and Satellite, invokes the
sound of Marillion, Pendragon, Landmarq, and The Tangent,
but they add the use of a steady violinist, which gives the
band's sound a much more multifaceted flare - instead of using
constant synth solos (neo-prog's answer to Shooting Star maybe?),
but of course a keyboardist is employed for the performance.
The show includes al the tracks from their debut Hope to See
Another Day, plus an additional cut from the latest album,
as this was filmed back in 2007. ***
The tracks from Hope are performed in random order, mixing
things up a bit - it's as if the show goes from a playing
more laid back or mid-tempo tunes such as "Needles in My Brain,"
"Pain," and the ballad "Don't Tell Me" to eventually moving
on to more dramatic and symphonic cuts like "Memories," "Seven
Days," and the title track - where guitarist Mirek Gil gives
himself more flexibility in the solo department on the latter
tracks, adding a metallic edge - it's an overall tight performance.
***
Multiple camera angles are used, including one from a
crane, and the film quality tends to be highly 'digital,'
or maybe it's just me trying to get used to watching a DVD
on an HD screen. The sound is also top notch for a live recording,
just like past releases taking place at this venue. You also
get an interview with both Gil and Tomek Rozycki (subtitled),
a bio, two audio tracks from Yesterday…, a gallery, and web
links as bonuses. Hope to See Another Day Live is a must for
neo-progressive rock fans and for those who have enjoyed past
releases from Metal Mind featuring concerts at the Wyspianski
Theater (although there is no 'official' series).
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