| The
Review |
Formed in 1989, one could say that Landmarq were late-comers
to the "2nd generation prog revival" headed by bands like
Marillion, Pendragon, IQ, and Pallas. And while I enjoy Landmarq's
early material, I must admit that it wasn't until lead vocalist
Tracy Hitchings joined (in 1998) that they really knocked
me off my feet, becoming one of my all-time favorite bands.
The first album with Tracy, "Science of Coincidence",
still rates as a personal favorite 8 years later, as do the
2 subsequent live releases culled from that tour. And although
they have continued to be a popular live act in Europe, the
last several years have probably seemed like something of
a dry spell for Landmarq fans in the USA, with no new music
to sink our teeth into, and no chances to catch the band in
concert...Luckily, all that has just changed!...
Recorded in November, 2005, at the Wynspiaski Theater
in Krawotice, Poland, "Turbulence" is Landmarq's first ever
concert DVD. It also provides the first taste that many fans
will get of music from the band's forthcoming studio album
(their first since "Science".)
There is, in fact, over AN HOUR of all new music to be
found here - obviously a big chunk of the new album!...So,
how does the new stuff stack up???...After several listens
over the last week or so, I must say that, not only does the
new material NOT disappoint, but it is some of the freshest,
most compelling, most creative new prog-rock that I have listened
to in several years! While the last year or so has seen some
fine new prog releases from Pendragon, Jadis, Pallas, The
Syn, etc., in my opinion, this new Landmarq material beats
them all! (others are free to disagree, so no hate mail please.)
What we have here is five creative musicians at the top of
their game. Not only are they masterful in their individual
talents, but they gel incredibly well as a cohesive musical
unit.
The writing, arranging, playing, lyrics - it's all top
notch! The current line-up consists of Hitchings (lead vocals),
Steve Gee (5 string bass), Dave Wagstaffe (drums), Uwe D'Rose
(guitar), and new member Mike Varty (keyboards). Varty should
already be known to neo-prog fans for his previous work with
Shadowland, Credo, & Janison Edge. And while this is his first
recorded work with Landmarq, he fits in so well that it seems
like he's always been there!
Here is a quick run down of what to expect from the set-list:
"Entertaining Angels" (a great opening number, with a
majestic guitar/keyboard theme that leads into a melodic,
memorable verse/chorus),
"Calm Before the Storm" (a dark, ominous prog epic in
3 parts - featuring some fierce instrumental fireworks, unusual
chord changes, and a more 'theatrical' vocal performance from
Tracy),
"Prayer" (a gorgeous piano-based ballad highlighted by
powerful singing and a bit of 'lead bass' from Steve Gee),
"Thunderstruck" (epic prog with more twists and turns
than a good mystery novel! The tricky unison riff and elegiac
'climax' section are awe-inspiring. I also love the brief
'jazzy' section where Tracy does her best 'sexy chanteuse'
routine!),
"Walking On Eggshells" (a dreamy piece of art-pop, with
some intricate guitar/keys/bass interplay and a sensitive
vocal), "Landslide" (an all-instrumental workout taken from
the "Infinity Parade" CD. This is a superior version, with
some nimble-fingered soloing from Varty and an extended drum
solo from Wagstaffe),
"Timeline" (an upbeat, melodious rocker with positive
lyrics), "Mountains of Anglia" (a bristling prog-rocker with
echoey guitars, infectious melodies, and a breathtaking climax),
and finally,
"Lighthouse" (taken from the "Science of Coincidence"
CD, this makes for a thunderous encore piece, and nicely sums
up everything that's great about this band!) After giving
this DVD some repeated viewings, I must say one thing really
stands out.
Tracy Hitchings shows that, without a doubt, she posesses
one of the most dynamic and distinctive voices in all of progressive
rock. Not only does she NAIL every note (she does have a day-job
as a licensed voice teacher, after all!), but her performances
are full of nuance, originality, and above all else, feeling!
Tracy also has an engaging, charismatic presence on stage,
like she was born for this whole 'front person' role (she's
also quite lovely to look at...but I digress : )
Bassist Steve Gee also impresses. While many rock bassists
just seem like background players, Gee has a prominent role
within Landmarq's music, and is one of the only bass players
I've heard with a difinitive sound of his own...
As for the technical aspects???
The filming, camera work, and video quality on this DVD
are among the best I have seen, featuring great views of the
whole stage, and (when appropriate) some tight close-ups of
fingers flying across instruments.
The 5.1 audio mix is full-bodied, crystal clear, and sounds
particularly great through headphones! (There is also the
option of an standard stereo mix.)
The special features are pretty good, too. I especially
enjoyed the 30 minute interview with Hitchings, Gee, and Wagstaffe...Thanks
to Metal Mind Productions for bringing this and other quality
prog DVD's to the USA (I understand that a new Pendragon DVD
will be filming in Poland soon.) Some of us might never have
had a chance to see these great bands otherwise.
Bravo!
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