TEARING THE TOUR APART

Before making my comments on each track, two observations: Franck definitely isn't one of the greatest singers around (maybe it's his accent that disturbs me, I still don't know exactly why I don't enjoy his singing very much), but has a fabulous domain of time signatures and interpretations as a vocalist. Besides that, on these particular live efforts, he is specially effusive and cheerful, without sounding exxagerated or fussy. On the instrumental part, it's impressive how the band is in tune and integrated.

Starts intense, with captivating phrasings on the synths, very persuasive combinations drums/guitar, and with Franck claiming "Good evening everybodyyy". Gutar contours, cohesive and robust, the sound space, before a rhytmic section with a nice groove. The harmonies with bass, drums and guitar usually are killers on the . On half of this song they execute some complex time signatures, and then there's a more serene moment, made by the synths. On the other hand, its finale is more accelerated and vigorous.

Next track delivers some fingering guitar and the gorgeous singing of Mary. Franck soon accompanies her, with a more melodic style than the previous song. There's this slightly romantic atmosphere, and the notes grow in density, but not too much. Quite suddenly, they perform some blues on this symphonic prog composition. Therefore harmonies get more rich, and Franck delivers some inspired high notes on guitar.

A wonderful piano initiates the 3rd track. Not only Mary's, but also Franck's vocals are amazing. What a start! Splendid time signatures are executed, before a melodic proposal, with an added touch of a "hackettian" guitar, assumed this time by Mathieu Spaeter. They show on this excerpt that Yes was also an influence. Quite suddenly, but also with fluidity, they jump to another proposal, heavier, with firm guitar/synths harmonies. What an excellent track! And when it comes back to the piano, it's very passionate. On the end, the chorus of the audience is touching.

The band quickly goes to the next song. Faster, heavier, thrilling! After developing this euphoric proposal, a change takes them to a much calmer passage, with synths and vocals that grows until it gets to a more complete instrumentation. Some cohesive and consistent turns on harmonies preceed the comeback to that heavier and a bit groovy performance. The music ends with a rock-oriented execution. There are only a few musical ideas on this composition, but they are particularly great.

The beginning of the 5th performance is solemn, centered on the drum's march. They get dramatic and serious from the middle to the closure of the music.

Ravishing is a good word to define the first moments of the following song. Intense and exciting. Next, they become intimate, just to surprise me with a phenomenal musical punch that remindes me of the first Solaris. And sometimes I also perceive some Deep Purple influences.

On the 7th song, the first vocal harmonies are elegant and warm. A guitar (or an acoustic guitar, I don't know which one) gently fingering contours the spoken/sang words. Then a wonderful, complex and peaceful harmony between guitar and acoustic guitar is accompanied by synth. All fits perfectly! A restful handful of instruments, with some swing, makes an incredible approach to the refrain "Love is what you mean, what you mean to me". Other passionate words/expressions are very well developed. On its middle, a pompous synth makes some solos, with no hurry. Closer to the end, they remind me of Genesis late-70's. Magnificent!

A looping on acoustic guitar, with a synth providing its basis, opens the penultimate performance. Good choices of timbres (as in practically all this live effort) and tones. I hear some calm Yes stuff here. Close to its half, the song changes radically, with a rhytmic guitar. Initially dislocated, but some moments ahead it makes sense when the other instruments are included. Henceforth, a little more heavier swing goes on, which for me has similarities to some of the early Styx songs. A brilliant guitar shows up, but doesn't make this song one of the best of the disc.

To end with brilliance, a superb execution of "Alice's Eerie Dream". Immersive guitar, rythmic phrasings of genius, all with a bit of blues, rock and prog rock. Rich and cheerful harmonies. On its middle, the theatrical construction of the music and vocals are amazing.

All these songs from the CD are with an outstanding production, edition and mixing. I have no doubt that my rating is not less than 4.5; Well, I'll give it a 4.7.