LIVE

This CD EP contains some very nice live material from Anekdoten 1990's era. For example the version of "Karelia" is here extraordinary powerful, much better than on the "Vemod" album. It's mellotron coda really reaches the dramatic genius of human experience. "A Way of Life" sounds as an improvisation, and I believe there are some kind of frippertonics used on this piece, strengthening the band's fascination with King Crimson as an innovator. Two first tracks are fine also, but these mentioned latter one's makes this collectible interesting musically. Not probably the best record as first introduction to the band, but warmly recommended for those who like the band.

Last year I witnessed a concert by Swedish progrock sensation Anekdoten, I was blown away by their dynamic and Mellotron drenched songs! This live EP has been recorded in the Swedish town Borlänge in 1996. It contains four songs: Nucleus, The Flow, A Way Of Life and Karelia (MELLOTRON!!). From these four tracks only A Way Of Life is not on the tracking list of the 2-CD The Official Bootleg Live In Japan that was released half a year later. The song A Way Of Life (at about 8 minutes) is an intricate piece, a bit psychedelic inspired and loaded with the unsurpassed Mellotron. This EP is a nice wannabee for the many Anekdoten fans on this world. I regret the moment that I sold it because of the forthcoming 2-live-CD, now I have to pay many euro's to get it back! Highly recommended!

A taste of Anekdoten in concert.

So, nowadays i could say that Anekdoten is my favourite modern prog band since sometime ago i have been enjoying their music more and more until i simply fell in love with it and cannot stop listening to their music.

I bought this EP the last year when i was actually looking for A Time of Day in a local store, i didn`t reach my goal in that moment but i was lucky enough to get this EP anyway. I hope to see this band someday in concert, it would be one of my biggest dreams now, but i am not saying that just because of this Live EP, not at all actually if you want some Anekdoten live get the Live in Japan album, Waking the Dead is the name which is simply amazing and will cause you goosebumps, this one is a worth listening anyway.

Live EP released in 1997 features only 4 songs, Karelia and The Flow from their debut Vemod, Nucleus from that self-titled album, and A Way of Life which was an improvisation ala King Crimson, (we all know that Anekdoten`s music is influenced by KC), the lenght of the album is about 25 minutes but believe me that 25 worth listening minutes, all the songs are excellent played how it should be, a band that sometimes sounds better in concert than in the studio albums, is a big band. You will listen to a lot of mellotron, an excellent bass playing and a heavy side of progressive rock that will make your day.

I like this EP a lot and if i want to listen to some of their music, i could play this without any problem, but in my opinion if you want to hear something of them in concert, please get either (or both) the Waking the Dead or the Official Bootleg albums, or if you only want a fast taste, get this EP.

Due to its great 25 worth listening minutes, i will give it 3 stars, but actually i would say this is only for fans.

Enjoy it!

This live EP was recorded one night in Cozmoz, Borlange, Sweden,1996. I must admit i've been searching for this EP for years and finally got my hands on a new copy. It is unique in that it's the only EP ANEKDOTEN have released, as well it's their first live release. Two tracks from "Vemod" and one from "Nucleus" while the other song is an instrumental improv.

"Nucleus" is just a beast to start out, very jagged and chaotic. The mellotron then storms in as the overweight bass shakes the soundscape. Vocals as it settles 1 1/2 minutes in. Not for long though as contrasts continue. Amazing tune ! "The Flow" from "Vemod" opens with some outstanding guitar and I love when it settles and the mellotron floods in.The bass is very chubby here as usual.

"A Way Of Life" is what makes this EP worth getting. The spacey keyboards and mellotron is simply gorgeous. Bass joins in then later the guitar makes some noise 3 1/2 minutes in, drums too. It builds then slowly settles back. "Karelia" is a wondrous track from "Vemod". An all out assault early before it calms down. Contrasts continue. Cello in this one too. Mellotron storms in around 4 minutes. Check out the ending with some excellent drum work.

Sure you can hear these three album tracks live on the "Official Live Bootleg" double album that would be released the following year, but the incredible improv can't be found anywhere else. Just a great performance too.