DRAINAGE

It was recorded during their appearances at Baja Prog in Mexicali (Mexico). This annual event is probably the more important prog conference in Latin America. These songs were recorded in 1996 and 1997.

The band have enjoyed these concerts and they jammed accordingly. Some songs are unreleased and some are rather transformed compared with its studio counterpart. So, it's almost an original work.

It's always a pleasure to listen to the emotional vocals from Jeff McFarland. He is so poignant at times ("The Revolution Like Saturn Devours Its." or in "Love Through The Winter & Blood In The..."). If ever you like their atmospheric and ambient music, there are big chances that this album will please you.

The band themselves recognize that this album is not perfect (mainly sound) especially in "Love Through the Winter." but nothing damaging IMO (some bizarre audience interventions though.). The relation with "Floyd" is of course even more obvious on this live album. When you listen to some early "Floyd" concerts, lots of influences can be noticed. This feeling is far to annoy me.

My favourite songs here is "Rain Age". Totally reminiscent of the Floydian atmosphere. Especially the keys which brings you straight into "SOYCD" but "Ashes" is really good as well. These guitar sounds are so marvellous and emotional. But since Neto is Brazilian, he is playing with his heart and soul ("el mago" as being introduced during the end of their show by the speaker).

The worse recording takes place during "The Last Word" which is a pity since it is one of my fave of the band. Sound is definitely not great here, to say the least. Vocals sounding very raw but the music is so beautiful that one would like to forgive the band for this.

Three stars.

"Natural Reflection" was originally to be part of the album "Natural Selection" but it had to be dropped. Lots of guitar-synth on this one and some Spanish sounding guitar too after a minute. "Rain Age" came out of another song intended for "Natural Selection" but it was also left off. Apparently the vocals were improvised for this one. Some nice prominant bass early on.I like the rain and synths to end it. "Breathing Deep" is another song recorded for "Natural Selection" but it was used for a "Cyclops Record Sampler" instead. Gentle guitar followed by bass, synths and drums.Vocals 2 minutes in. I like when the guitar comes after the vocals stop. Contrasts continue.

"A Castle Nanny Mother & A Warm Soft Bed" is led by strummed guitar and reserved vocals early. It kicks in before 2 1/2 minutes then settles back quickly.Themes are repeated. Not a fan of this one. "Shepherds Of The Deep" is a segment off the longer "Neptune's Last Tear". "The Revolution Like Saturn Devours It's Children" has a good beat with bass as guitar then synths play over top. Vocals 2 minutes in. Synths and drums lead 5 minutes in. Vocals are back 6 1/2 minutes and they're not good. "Love Through The Winter & Blood In The Spring" might be my favourite. I like the early drum / synth section and especially later when they seem to simply jam for an extended period. "Ashes" opens with vocals and synths. Drums join in as the vocals get passionate. Some nice guitar after 2 minutes. It blends into "The Last Word" where the guitar continues.Vocals join in. Great sound 5 1/2 minutes in. The guitar after 7 minutes starts to light it up. Nice.

A pretty good album that fans of the band would do well to check out.