Under The Sun - Schematism - On Stage With Under The Sun

Year of Release: 2005
Label: ProgRock Records
Catalog Number: PRR230
Format: CD
Total Time: 71:16:00

Schematism: On Stage With Under The Sun is just that - you are on stage with the band, experiencing the sonics as if you were a fifth member. This is the recording of Under The Sun's 2001 performance at NEARfest. My feeling at the time was that the band put on a good live show, but that the out-front sound was muddy, and that Chris Shryack's vocals were buried in the mix. On this live release, it is quite the opposite. While the sound is thick, there is much more clarity - owing to the way it was mixed. And Shryack's vocals are very much in evidence and it reveals that while he is a good vocalist, he's not great. And though this isn't why, or how, I did think every once in a while that he sounded a bit like Steve Hogarth. Nevertheless, the energy I felt in 2001 is heard here again on this 2005 release, certainly towards the end of their set.

I first encountered Under The Sun with their debut album in 2000, which I took to immediately and looked hopefully at what would come next. They were one of the bands that drew me to attending NF2001, my first trip to the fest. I even chatted them up after their performance at the autograph signing session, where I noticed bassist Kurt Barabas with his right hand wrapped (was it broken or just sprained? I'm still not sure what the truth about that is). So, when I heard later that the band had called it quits, I was disappointed. In my view, the sun had set on a band with a bright future. I'm not sure now where the band's status is; there was talk when the band signed to ProgRock Records and released Schmatism that there would be new music in the offing. But, a year later or so, and nary a word. So? we'll have to see if the sun also rises.

Looking at this release from just a performance point of view, it takes a moment for the band to warm up and really kick things into gear. Not to say that the opening track, "Tracer," was a shaky performance, but that they get stronger from that point on. The set list includes nearly all their debut album, plus what was then a new track, "Souljourner." It is a piece that follows on from their debut in style and substance, the same mix of heavy rock and epic sweeps of sound, searing, soaring guitar phrases. My favorites from the debut, "This Golden Voyage" and "Breakwater" have nearly all their impact intact and derive extra energy in a live setting, especially a blistering take on "Breakwater." The closing piece, "From Henceforth Now And Forever" is equally blistering, but also magical in it's spacier moments. Throw in "Perfect World," "Dream Catcher" (another fave) and "Reflections," which at the time I thought was a sublime performance, listening to it again, it is one of their best performances here, harmonies perfectly in sync, guitar solos sharp and precise.

In some ways, it's hard to review a live release of a concert you attended, since you are tempted to compare the recording to your memory; and it either reinforces it or makes you wonder if they really recorded the same concert you were at. Here it's even harder - and also easier - because the frame of reference is inverted. However it sounded out-front is not how it sounded on stage.

You don't need to have been at NEARfest 2001, or have been a fan already of UTS in order to appreciate this release. What made their debut a success is here live, and if this becomes your first taste, then you will no doubt find yourself hunting down the debut. And hopefully there will be more to come from this band.

Since our scale doesn't allow for quarter-points to be reflected visually, view this as a 4.25/5

Tracklisting:
Tracer (6:13) / Perfect World (5:49) / Dream Catcher (8:12) / The Time Being (8:48) a. Netherdrone, b. The Time Being, c. Realmbattle / Reflections (5:34) / This Golden Voyage (7:27) / Souljourner (I Am Forever) (13:17) i. Incantation, ii. I Am Forever, iii. The All-Encompassing King, iv. Reincantation / Breakwater (8:06) / From Henceforth Now And Forever (P.S. 124) (7:50)

Musicians:
Kurt Barabas - bass, bass pedals, backing vocals
Matt Evidon - backing vocals, keyboards
Paul Shkut - drums and percussion
Chris Shryack - lead vocals, guitar

Discography:
Under The Sun (2000)
Schematism: On Stage With Under The Sun (2005)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: October 7th 2006
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Artist website: www.underthesunmusic.com
Hits: 4898
Language: english