LIVE IN L.A.

I believe there have been several bands who have played at those Progfests in L.A. in the nineties who have used the recordings from those sets and released them as live albums. Why not, they were all professionally recorded and up until his untimely death Kevin Gilbert was in charge of that. The crowd obviously loved the performance that SEBASTIAN HARDIE put on. It's too bad that there were some sound problems with feedback but it shouldn't stop anyone from checking this out, especially if your a fan. As you might imagine we get boat loads of mellotron with those lush soundscapes and Gilmour-like guitar. CAMEL did come to mind several times as well.This doesn't measure up in my opinion to their debut "Four Moments" which they play here in it's entirety by the way.The set seems to get better as it plays out but it's too late for me by then to offer up 4 stars. I'd much rather listen to their debut album than put this on.This was from Progfest 94 and ANGLAGARD and ANEKDOTEN also played at this event.

"Introduction" is just that.The band is introduced as they play in the background and when he's finished announcing them they kick in with "Glories Shall Be Revealed". It picks up after 2 minutes and we get some nice bass too. It settles then the vocals arrive 4 minutes in. Some annoying feedback before 6 minutes. "Dawn Of Our Sun" is mellow with guitar. Organ and vocals 2 1/2 minutes in and we hear more of that feedback unfortunately. It kicks in fuller around 4 minutes. "Journey Through Our Dreams" sounds amazing before 2 minutes when it gets fuller. More screeching feedback comes in though.Tasteful guitar 3 1/2 minutes in that goes on and on. Synths come in and the song blends into "Everything Is Real" where vocals come in right away. It's cool how themes are repeated during this set. "Rosanna" opens with the band commenting on the feedback and thanking the audience for hanging in there. Spacey synths take over as drums and guitar join in. A good instrumental.

"Windchase-Conclusion" is a short section from a track which was on their second record. It's a little heavier but it does lighten back up.The last three tracks blend into one another.This is the best part of the concert for me. No sound issues either. "Openings" has some incredible sounding guitar, organ and mellotron. Beautiful stuff. "Millo's Bizarre Bizet Solo" is great too. Amazing ! "Openings- Conclusion" picks up with the guitar leading.

3.5 stars and worth checking out if your a fan of this band.