LIVE FROM OZ

I have a unique story to share with you about this album. The first idea to consider buying this album was only one : Derek Sherenian - whom I knew from Dream Theater. I purchased the CD which was under "Sale" and it cost me USD 6 at local store in Jakarta. But due to continuous torture from many of my friends who told me that this album is not Planet X's best and they always recommended me with "Moonbabies". So what happened, I had still kept the CD "sealed" (unopened) for such a long time (close to two years!) because of that constant messages I received from my friends that this is just a "so and so" album which is nothing special to them. I never paid attention to this CD until roughly couple of weeks ago. The first spin after I opened the seal, I was impressed with one thing: the dynamics of the show! First off, I have countless told you that I am a true fan of rock live album, so is the case with this album by Planet X. When the opening track "Ignotus Per Ignotium" (7:16) blasts the music with its dynamic rhythm and aggressive guitar melody, my pulse was running faster. Since then I started to pay more attention to this album that I have long kept it under sealed condition, untouched.

This time I open all things related to this album from its simple CD sleeves with photos of the show and all credits by band members. The concert was recorded at The Corner Hotel in Richmond, Victoria Australia, June 13, 2001. There were four players involved: Derek on keyboard, Tony MacAlpine on guitar (I knew his name from my friend), and a drummer that I had never paind attention before: Virgil Donati. Through this concert the trio was backed by special guest Dave Larue on bass guitar. The result is an excellent live record with almost flawless performance. What surprises me is that this record can create dynamics throughout the duration of the show from start to finish. It's really an excellent album to have!

Right after wonderful and lively opening of fist track, it flows beautifully to "Inside Black" (5:16), "Dog Boots" (3:55) and "Atlantis" epic which comprises three parts : "Apocalypse 1470 BC" (6:24), "Sea of Antiquity" (4:20) and "Lost Island" (6:21). Derek then provides his stunning solo. It's quite surprising to me that majority of instrument used before Derek's solo is guitar which is played wonderfully by Tony MacAlphine. During "Warfinger" (4:36) Dave Larue provides his virtuosity in playing his bass guitar, continued with "Virgil Donati Solo" (4:00) and "Warfinger Reprise" (1:52). Even though Tony has in a way dominated the melody line through his guitar, he is also given a chance to deliver his "Tony MacAlpine Solo" (4:14).

In most of music exploration that I experience, I always wait for when the "interlude" is coming because it usually contains nice solo by guitar or keyboard. But this time with this instrumental album I can enjoy many interludes because there are melodies performed by guitar and / or keyboard. I do enjoy this live album. The sonic quality is really wonderful and I cannot believe that this is actually a live album. Mixing was done by Simon Phillips. The show has successfully demonstrated virtuosities of the band members. It also provides great live vibes knowing the fact that the music is all instrumental. I recommend this to those of you who enjoy G3, Satriani, Vai, or Liquid Tension Experiment. Yoy might enjoy this album as well. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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