SENSORS

A Japan-only release (at least the vinyl and the mini-Lp version with two bonus tracks) of Paatos' fall 06 European tour, and so far, the only official live material (outside Kallocain's bonus DVD) available, Sensors takes its title from their debut Timeloss album's opening track by pluralized. With the still unchanged line-up of Kallocain, the group gives us a selection of tracks from their three albums, but insists (a bit understandably) on the debut album, even if they avoid the essential Quits. Unfortunately for completists, none of the bonus debut tracks or the B-side of the single is selected here, but Paatos chose the better tracks from Kallocain and SOAK, but if they got the good version, they will benefit from one "new" track.

Indeed Gasoline and Your Misery (from Kallo) are present early in the concert and are both in excellent shape, while SOAK's Happiness and Shame (as one of the bonus track) are also fine renditions. From Timeloss, the crescendoing Téa is stronger than both its studio versions, while in the spellbinding (but shorter) Hypnotique, Petronella reminds us of Bjork (both in beauty but sonically as well) with haunting washes of trons, but the real gift is an extended Sensor track and now becomes a highlight of the set. One of the main assets of this album is the presence of a long improv (ala Crimson) titled Prologue, two tracks not available anywhere else (so far).

While I wouldn't call Sensors an essential acquisition, it should belong to any fan of the band in its "normal" form, and in its mini-Lp form become a must-have for unconditional fans. While not part of the latter category, I made the extra effort for the special version, and I don't regret it a second and might even consider parting with their second and third albums, due to the impeccable selection of this live album.