By: Anders

Posted: Oct 22, 2005

I've never been lucky enough to catch Spock's Beard live, hopefully it will happen someday. Until now I have thought it would be great to see the guys live, but after having spent some time with their new release, the double live album "Gluttons For Punishment, Spock's Beard Live In '05", it must be an amazing experience to see them play on stage. Their technical and intriguing tunes are delivered like it is a piece of cake, songs that would make "normal" musicians break down and cry or stand still and gather all their focus, but it seems like Spock's Beard are delivering their music, while playing with the audience and having a killer time on stage. The energy and joy of playing live, is catching on and is transferred from the stage into the living room, this album makes one rock a long and causes a little smile or 2.

The focus is of course put on the Beard's new album "Octane" and that doesn't make it worse… since that album is fabulous and the tracks works really well live. The band starts out with the 'A Flash Before My Eyes' and guides us safely through the 8 parts of the songs, an amazing experience. Then a small blast from the past in form of 'Harms Way' from "The Kindness Of Strangers" album before we get the instrumental 'NWC', which ends in a jam with among other goodies, the traditional drum duel between Nick D’Virgilio and live drummer Jimmy Keegan, great to hear. The only track from "Octane" on disc 2 is 'As Long As We Ride', which starts out with a semi acoustic play from Alan Morse, before going into the emotional, almost stoner-rock song, delivered with much passion and drive, and if I'm not totally mistaken Morse sings some of the song as well.

A truly good live album with stellar performances from the band. It's impressive to hear how Nick takes on the Neil Morse era songs and how he sings them in his own distinct way, without them missing their feel. Just take a listen to the last track on disc 2 'The Light', the title track from the band's debut album, what a way to end a show and what a song to deliver live, all 9 amazing parts delivered enthusiastically. Spock's Beard has something not many bands possess, they have the musicianship and good song writing skills, but something that is hard to put a finger on as well. I could not imagine their progressive rock tunes would sound this great live and that they could deliver them this convincing. This album is a must for all fans of the Beard, and is somehow a good place for coming fans to start. I guess its no need for me to mention that the sound of the show is great and does the music great justice, together with the preserved live feel, it's almost like being there. Great to hear the band jam and play as well, together with the solos here and there.

Rating: 8/10

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