REALITY DREAM

After enjoying Riverside on their 2009 ADHD tour, I had to have this live album from the 2008 tour. It focuses on the material from the first three albums, the so-called Reality Dream trilogy of which I had always appreciated the music very much. The polished sound and safe approach had charmed me less, so I hoped the live album would add some punch to the material. I haven't been disappointed in that respect.

Each of the songs sticks close to the studio albums, they're simply perfect in that respect. Of course, it you were perfectly happy with those versions then there's not much reason to get this live album. But Riverside's live focus is precise and passionate, the great vocals and more forceful drum sound brings that little extra punch. Still, it's no ADHD. The material remains a bit underwhelming in general. Naturally, songs like Reality Dream III, Second Life Syndrome and I Turned You Down are amazing.

Reality Dream is an excellent live document. But in order to deserve 4 stars from me, a live one must have more surprises in the way of rare tracks, improvisations or rearrangements then this album has. Reality Dream brings a faithful and competent renditions of the album tracks, nothing more and nothing less.