Prog Resiste Convention 2004

Prog Resiste Convention 2004



Страна исполнителя: multy
Стиль: Symphonic Prog, Art rock
Год 2004
Качество: DVD5, 16:9
Формат: DVD Video PAL
Видео кодек: MPEG2
Аудио кодек: AC3
Аудио каналы 2
Размер: 4,7 gb
Продолжительность: 96 мин

Уникальный и шикарный прог фестиваль проходивший в Бельгии. Присутсвовали группы:
Mindgames, AmAndA, Paatos, The Watch, Eclat, Liquid Scarlet, Ken’s Novel, CAP (Consorzio Acqua Potabile), а так же два человека из Mangala Vallis

This release is an engaging souvenir of the Prog-Resiste Convention held at ‘The Spirit Of 66’ in Verviers, Belgium on 9 and 10 October 2004. Judging from the opening footage this is an intimate venue, providing just the right environment for an evening of quality music. The disc features one track each from the eight bands that performed over the two days. There is also a bonus version of a progressive rock classic. Production values are as good as can be expected, with clear graphics and menu options. The picture quality is very good, especially considering that from the evidence of the footage, non-professional cameras were used. More importantly, the sound, taken from the mixing desk, is excellent through out.

Each performance is preceded with an interview with the band members. French or English subtitles are supplied, depending upon the language used. These are worth watching if only for some unintentionally funny translations. They can be avoided if necessary by using the menu option to select each track. Curiously, the song titles are not provided, but are sometimes included in the bands introduction. I have listed each performance as they appear on the DVD, together with the bands country of origin.

Mindgames (Belgium). From the outset the vocalist asserts himself with a precise and melodramatic delivery of English lyrics, and meaningful stares into the camera. The band reveal their Genesis influences from the start, although they take a while to warm up. When they do, a melodic synth solo heralds some intricate guitar and keys interplay. Plenty of theatrics from the vocalist, now wearing crown and robes, before a brief reprise of the opening song section. The split screen presentation looks dated, but at least proves that more than one camera was used.

AmAndA (Belgium). A symphonic introduction from the flamboyant keys player, with a falsetto delivery of French lyrics from the vocalist. Heavy guitar riffs and melodic synth soling follow, before a lengthy, but incisive guitar solo with a metallic edge to conclude. A short, but strong performance from a young band, delivered with plenty of enthusiasm.

Paatos (Sweden) A laid back start, with English lyrics from the female vocalist who is clearly influenced by Bjork. The tempo moves up a gear, with punctuating Mellotron like keys, and an incisive guitar solo. A relatively short performance means that they never really get into their stride, and this for me is the least successful of the performances on the disc.

The Watch (Italy). Following a lengthy classical introduction on synths, the band launches a spirited assault with bass to the fore. English lyrics from the theatrical vocalist in mime artist make up, with shades of Peter Gabriel, Fish and Roger Chapman. A tranquil bridge, with 12-string guitar and flute (courtesy of the vocalist), has all the hallmarks of early Genesis. Bags of Mellotron, and a good, if repetitive guitar solo to close. Solid performances all round.

Eclat (France). A jazz-rock fusion instrumental, and technically the most accomplished performance on this release, with overtones of early King Crimson and Frank Zappa. Saxophone dominates, but the whole band shine, with piercing guitar, melodic keys, prominent bass, and inventive drum work through out. Great stuff.

Liquid Scarlet (Sweden). This is a slightly bizarre offering from a band that, on this hearing alone, is difficult to pigeonhole. The strong vocal delivery, with sparse guitar and percussion backing, is quite hypnotic. As the piece builds, sampled strings provide the only obvious prog connection. The bleached white video trickery is over done. The stage wear includes matching white polo necks.

Ken’s Novel (Belgium). A bombastic Gentle Giant like introduction is followed by a lengthy vocal section with a symphonic keys backdrop. The guitar work is versatile, heavy and discordant one moment, melodic with Eastern overtones the next. An excellent Patrick Moraz style synth solo is undermined by the camera work which picks out everyone except the keyboard player. The Flower Kings style melodic vocal refrain provides a dynamic finale, a pity that it’s allowed to drag on for too long.

CAP (Italy). A deceptively simple start with a strong vocal, this time in Italian, before the band launch into a folk dance, complete with whistle and recorder. The rock guitar gives the sound a harder edge, and put me in mind of the Irish band Horslips. Following a lengthy introduction in French, the band are joined on stage by drummer Gigi Cavalli Cocchi (Mangala Vallis), and vocalist Bernardo Lanzetti (PFM). The bonus track that follows is PFM’s Impressioni Di Settembre from 1972. This is fine rendition, with the two guests excelling. It only lacks the majestic Mellotron crescendo of the original, which they compensate for with additional vocals. As they take their bows, the 20th Century Fox Fanfare surges from the PA, declaring an end to the event.

The music on this release generally falls into the progressive rock category, but the performances are diverse. Each band displays a unique style, even if the music is not always original. There is also a sense of friendly rivalry; particularly amongst the vocalists who work hard to out do each other in the presentation stakes.

With only a single track from each band, I’m not sure how representative this release is, but it does provide a good opportunity to sample some new music. I have been sufficiently impressed by several of these bands to want to hear more. The local acts certainly show their worth, although top honours for me go to their friends across the French border. This may not be a high profile release, but approach with an open mind and you should find it an entertaining viewing experience.


Группы:
Mindgames,
AmAndA,
Paatos,
The Watch,
Eclat,
Liquid Scarlet,
Ken’s Novel,
CAP (Consorzio Acqua Potabile),
Bonus track
PFM(with Bernardo Lanzetti & Gigi Cocchi MANGALA VALLIS)

Спасибо!