INSTANT DELIVERY

I just finished watching this and wanted to post a review while it's fresh in my mind. 2006 has given us many great prog DVD's, and this will most certainly make my year end top 3 or 4 (Behind IQ's Stage, Porcupine Tree's Arriving Somewhere..., and Dream Theater's Score). Instant Delivery gives you a good dose of all thing Flower Kings and what this band embodies: pure musicianship, deep and introspective lyrics, and a dedication to performing.

The band comes out rocking with the title track from the latest CD, and finds Hans Froberg sounding great and ready to deliver with his Lou Gramm-ish vocals. He's definitely enjoyable to watch playing to the crowd and striking his rock star poses, but it never comes off cheese laden like Coverdale. The first part of disc 1 is solid, but it's the last half that I really enjoy. "What If God Is Alone" is not only my favorite song from Paradox, but up there as being a favorite all-time by this band. They breeze through "Pioneers Of Aviation" brilliantly, and close out with the amazing "Love Supreme" from Adam And Eve (EXCELLENT bass work by Reingold), and the highly popular "The Truth Will Set You Free"...albeit a somewhat abbreviated version. The latter does showcase a nice duet by Reingold and new drummer Marcus Liliequist, who fits in seamlessly with The Flower Kings.

Disc 2 brings more new material with the Bodin penned "Touch My Heaven", to Reingold strapping on a double neck 12-string bass for "Mommy Leave The Light On", to the instant classic "End On A High Note". Disc 2 sees the band revisiting the earlier days, which a truly touching version of Space Revolver's "I Am The Sun", and a taste of "Stardust We Are".

I guess my only gripe is why it's on 2 DVD's, as it seems everything could fit on 1 with no special bonus features. Secondly, as much as I love "Stardust We Are", I'd love to hear the whole thing. I imagine a band who has a rich library of music with classic epics, it would be inhuman to expect them to play them all; but, would like to see some of the other tunes omitted to leave room for an epic or two. That aside, this is a brilliantly assembled DVD and makes me appreciate Roine Stolt the guitarist. The man does have a style as smooth as molasses, with a voice to match. Another surprise was seeing just how good Marcus Liliequist is. The Flower Kings have had two absolutely stunning drummers behind the kit, but this kid is really fun to watch. He's sort of like a very skinny Steve Gadd. Just an all around great product and a must for every Flower Kings fan.

Ps. It's great to have accompanying CD's of the performance for the car!