DVD Rating Audio: A Video: A Extras: C Overall: B+

This DVD and CD combo brings together two releases that were previously only available in Poland where they were released by Metal Mind (although both have been reviewed in these pages before), namely the DVD ‘Live At Last… And More’ and the ‘Acoustically Challenged’ CD. The former finds the band on the ‘Masquerade Overture’ tour where they show yet again that when these guys kick off that they are one of the finest sights in British progressive rock. Okay, they have been doing it longer than most and this line-up is probably now the longest together of any of the UK’s underground bands, but they know how to give the crowd what they want. Nick is obviously the focal point as he sings and throws himself into his guitar, but Peter and Fudge and are one of the strongest rhythm sections around and there are few keyboard players who can match the presence of Clive Nolan. With songs as powerful as “Nostradamus” and “Paintbox” this is just a delight with “Leviathan” also going down well. Within the DVD there is also an interview plus the original video for “Saved By You”.

Then of course there is the CD which finds Peter and Nick sat playing their acoustic guitars while Clive cheats somewhat by using modern keyboards instead of just piano. But any CD that starts with “And We’ll Go Hunting Deer” will always find favour in my book as that has long been one of my favourite songs and in this setting it is even more beautiful than before. Although I have had the opportunity to hear these over the last few years it is great to see that at long last they will be more easily available to those who want to hear some great prog music by one of our best bands. I mean, this is even available on Amazon!

Review by Kev Rowland
November 17, 2005