But I'll talk later about this excellent album. Now I'd like to talk about Anesthetize, the second DVD from a live show by Porcupine Tree.
Anesthetize presents the best moments from two shows in Holland on October 15th & 16th, from their 2008 Fear of a Blank Planet tour. It was captured in high definition and has the best image and edition from a live show I've seen! Color balance is perfect showing details from every musician and instrument, although for some moments I recall another great DVD concert: King Crimson's Eyes Wide Open, when the edition shows other camera than the one in close up to the soloing artist, but maybe I'm going too far...
The program is divided in two parts, that could be unnoticed if it wasn't for short break when the band leaves the stage and look quietly, in sepia, preparing to get back. In the first part they present Fear of a Blank Planet in a incredible fidelity to the studio album with the companion of specially produced films (probably by Lasse Hoile, who directs the concert filming) projected in three large screens. For the fidelity and the synchronism with the films related to the songs I recall the Kraftwerk live shows, a true presentation of sound and vision. In fact a tight and well rehearsed band.
John Wesley, guest guitar player, does a interesting contrasts to Steve Wilson vocals and guitar work, and is the de facto guitar player as we notice that Wilson abandon the guitar several times to focus on his vocals, what is no small thing.
Is this segment the title track stands out and Gavin Harrison shows all his precise technique and talent, proving why he was invited to join Pat Mastelotto in the last King Crimson short tour, two months earlier. This long song first guitar solo, that on studio album was masterfully played by Alex Lifeson, is Wesley responsibility, starting like Lifeson started and then developing his own style.
This track only worth the DVD!
Note: Since I listened to this song I recall Radiohead, maybe for the guitar/keyboard intro or Wilson's vocals or both. Later on there's another inspiration (tribute?): Rush.
The second part is comprised of songs from Nil Recurring (complement for FoaBP) and previous albums like Deadwing, In Absentia and Signify, presented with commitment and the same fault: the songs are played exactly the same way they were released on their original albums, including some vocal effects (!). There's a minimal variation in the medley Strip the Soul / .3 and Halo.
Richard Barbieri, veteran Japan keyboard player adds the drones that most of time define the music tone filling, while Colin Edwin completes the band with his precise and indispensable bass.
The audio tracks were produced by Steve Wilson that became a landmark of his work.
A must have for those who follows the band or like a good prog-oriented rock.
Technical details:
- Video: NTSC (0)
- Audio: LPCM Stereo and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
- Duration: 130 min.
- Extras: only on Blu-ray, but I haven't seen yet...
