ELOY LIVE

This live album is deeply "Ocean" oriented. And it is nothing but normal. It is one of their best album and this is the promotional tour. This live set only ignores "Decay of the Logos". Of course, the handicap of very average vocals is still very much present. But since they are not so many here, it is easier to forgive "Eloy".

Some very good space-rock is played. It reminds me the spirit of the live set available on "Ummagumma". Not that the numbers here can compete with "Careful", "ASOS", "STCOTHOTS" or the magnificent "Astronomy Domine". Of course not. But "Eloy" plays a very convincing live set. So, if you like the live sides of "Ummagumma" (the only ones which deserves a listen IMO), this album will be appealing to you.

I wouldn't say that "Atlantis Agony" is my fave. It was already lenghty in its studio version, and the five additional minutes here do not reallly add anything. The long German recitation is probably not what is needed during "The sung Song". I feel more comfortable once they have been evacuated. We are reverted to the beauty of the original song.

And some tracks will be better on this "Eloy Live" than on their original studio album. "The Dance in Doubt and Fear" is a perfect example. Stronger, harder keys attack. A very good interpretation. Almost a transformation.

Some old songs also are also played during this tour. "Inside" is just fantastic. A highlight. So dynamic, so powerful. Damned good guitar solo and great drumming. It is one of my favourite songs. But "Mutiny" from "Power & The Passion" is also pretty well achieved. The closing section is extremely good. What a great guitar solo ! Another highlight. As most of this live set actually.

If you would like to discover this band, I can only recommend this "Eloy Live". There will be also some very interesting compilations but this one fully reflects the spirit of the band.

Four stars.