LIVE IN THE NETHERLANDS

My introduction to Lifesigns was their last studio album, 'Altitude' which won me over. Of course I backtracked to all the previous releases. So when 'Live in the Netherlands' was announced, I wondered how different this would be from their previous live album would be, 'Under the Bridge'. Of course the big difference is the inclusion of songs from the 'Altitude' album and it is one of the best live albums I have heard. This two disc set is a great showcase for John Young and band. Jon Poole exhibits his expert bass playing, Zoltan Csorsz, the new drummer to the band exemplifies this rhythm section with grace and timing. Dave Bainbridge a guitarist with feeling and passion and of course John Young expertly guiding his wonderful compositions of prog purity.

The set starts with 'N' from the second album, 'Cardington'. An excellent opener, it is energetic and exposes the rich depth of the songs to it's fullest. It sets up for what follows this fantastic night. It has waves of emotion with it's quiet moment half way through and then coming back to it's initial theme from the start of the song. 'Open Skies' follows, a nice shorter little rocker that keeps the audience entertained I have to say, 'Different' is a favourite of mine and am glad it is played here. A song I could listen to over and over again. This continues with 'At The End Of The World'. It has a calm, delicate beginning. Love John's classical type interludes in this piece with a haunting synthesizer coming in with military style drumming half way in. A beautiful and touching part of the music. There's a nice piece of vocal collaboration between John and the background singing getting near the end of this track that adds to the climax. The first disc ends with 'Impossible', another song from the second album. This song is very melodic and is very catchy. A great guitar solo rocks near the end of this track. Don't be surprised if this tune gets stuck in your mind long after hearing the song.

The second disc starts with the title track of the last album, 'Altitude'. The 15 minute epic starts with the soft piano tinkle and violin sounds opening for John's comfortable singing. Followed by the dramatic drumming and fast synthesizer, the guitar enters proving the tapestries weaving in this band is tight and well performed. A fabric of many colours for all of us to enjoy. This song has many twists and turns. The reason for it's length, to allow all the elements to flow and merge together.

What follows is most of the 'Altitude' album with 'Gregarious', 'Ivory Tower', 'Shoreline', Fortitude' and 'Last One Home'. 'Gregarious' has a beginning which reminds me of Beatles tunes which then incorporates a depth of strong bass and dramatic piano and synthesizer highlighting John's dexterity. I love how John Young gets introduced as the 'maestro' at the end of this track. A true comment for sure.

'Ivory Tower' starts with an almost fairy like tune, feeling like you are almost amongst the best of nature itself. Nice and touching acoustic guitar and rolling vocals transports you to another pleasant place. Half way through the change hits with the strong and melodic guitar solo. The energy erupts with a David Gilmour type guitar and drives the listener through to it's conclusion.

'Shoreline' begins very 'proggy'. Notes jumping around until it calms down to a more eloquent passage before introducing the John's singing. One thing I find with songs of Lifesigns is the choruses are usually very memorable and hits that spot that makes you want to singalong.

'Fortitude' is the final epic lasting 10 minutes. Underneath the singing on this song, the music seems to me very busy and complex, a deep undertow that compliments John's more softer singing tones. As always, beautiful guitar solo's ensue taking the audience on a lilting journey. A wonderful high energy synthesizer takes us to the end of this track and drives home as to why this band should get all the recognition it deserves.

'Last One Home' starts with a lonely melody and delicate singing. John's compositions takes us on a visual trip in the mind through sonic means. You can close your eyes and his music takes us to wherever. This song is the very definition of that comment to me.

'Kings', the final song and a brilliant concert closer. The guitar opens up with a strange Japanese tone leading to the whole band coming in and joining in this snappy little instrumental.

Listening to this album gives me envy to all who were there that night. The mood and atmosphere of this concert is astounding and would be a crime not to be released. I have no doubt I would have walked out of that concert with vigour and wonderment. As good as the studio albums are, this proves how good this band is live. This is high musical talent which cannot be ignored. I hope the future is very bright for this band because I would love to hear further recordings.