LIVE WITHOUT AUDIENCE

In recent months, I've checked out a handful of SMAK albums. Most of them are showing definite talent and if one grew up with the band, the support would be understandable. Definitely not Pop. Jazz-Rock it isn't either, more like somewhat proggy Rock.

In my search for a missing element I've turned to this live performance, hoping that the band may be able to stretch out somewhat and make me persevere with them as a result.

Well, not much luck. here either. Well, not bad at all, but the odd nod towards Hendrix - bordering on plagiarism - the drum solo, still won't fill that vacuum. This band just refuses to "swing" and the otherwise notable abilities remain pretty much wasted as such. I am left with the impression of buttered bread with the bread missing.

It's hard for me to tell good musicians that they underperform, but equally, if they fail to create the excitement, I am not the one responsible for that.

A potentially 4-5 star band siting on a solid 3. A bit of a loss, but some rather barefoot Gospel elements just won't cut the mustard. Even Van Morrison - someone I am not the least interested in - does a "better" job at that.

No, I don't assume that SMAK are conscious of doing heaps of Gospel, but to class them here as Jazz-Rock/Fusion is rather erroneous. Collaborators please take note.

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