Magenta is one of my favorite current progressive rock bands, so it was a joy watching this DVD for review. This band is well known for playing accessible prog music with very memorable melodies. In my opinion and considering his pedigree, keyboardist/songwriter Rob Reed is a prog god. On this excellent video they play music from all three of their CDs and the two EPs. They are all top notch, high quality progressive rock music.
The concert begins powerfully with “King of the Skies” and really never lets up its great strength throughout. Even though they do quiet down and display wonderful dynamics entirely. Every song on this CD rocks!
“Demons” in a live setting reminded initially of Genesis’ “Squonk” more than I recall when I heard it on CD. I know some have complained that Magenta is too derivative of the classic groups like Genesis, Yes, and Pink Floyd. I believe that there is some “borrowing” occasionally, but in my opinion they definitely pick the right bits to borrow.
Christina’s voice is incredibly accurate and pitch perfect. Rock solid through the whole DVD. She is without a doubt one of the best vocalists in prog today, and could probably give hero Annie Haslam a run for her microphone. I think I even fell a little in love when she and the band performed “Call Me.” It is breathtakingly beautiful.
In all honesty, I have not seen that many prog videos. I was surprised to come to an awareness here that some of Chris Fry’s bits that could be solos on your average metal tune are just in service to the song on several occasions. I have been to many progressive concerts and never quite caught that.
These are all consummate musicians playing some of the best music out there currently. This DVD made me wish I was attending the show. Isn’t that the aim of any concert video? Please… Magenta, come visit us on the west coast soon!
Reviewed by Terry Jackson on November 12th, 2006
