Enchant - Live At Last

Year of Release: 2004
Label: InsideOut Music
Catalog Number: SPV08960952/IOMCD 188
Format: CD
Total Time: 70:31:00

Enchant proves something special with this release. They prove it is possible to be better in concert than in the studio. While this is quite an uncommon occurrence, their performance on this double disc release is surely one of these rare qualifiers.

The crowd acts in a contained and respectful manner as not to interfere with the music. Yet, enthusiasm from the fans can certainly be heard throughout the entire concert. The crowd consistently voices their approval between each piece.

As for the band, they execute every note flawlessly. The music sustains a level of quality that's typically the result of many repeated attempts. To add to their allure this night, Enchant gives off a charge of emotion, the kind a band only experiences in a live setting. It's the perfect balance between proficiency, production, performance, and passion.

When Enchant hits their last song, they are grooving to a magical beat. They're working overtime at maximum capacity, yet appear to be nowhere near the risk of a meltdown. Everything seems to be clicking along smoother than ever. The gears must have been oiled down liberally for the long haul as the music flows without friction.

The song selection is just right, too. It is interesting to hear songs from their entire history and two acoustic pieces as well. They play a third of all the music they've ever recorded and pick all their best pieces for this event. While each song scores positive marks, it is the tracks from Juggling 9 Or Dropping 10 that are best. For this reason, the highlights include "Paint The Picture" and "What To Say;" however, there is an abundance of spine-tingling moments littered throughout the whole album. The instrumentals, in particular, are incredible. The last song "Oasis" is extra special, because the band seems to give all that's been spared up to this point. They close out the event like true champions.

Even after twenty-three songs, Live At Last will leave you wanting more. I'm the kind of person who desires studio albums over their live counterparts. In this case, my impression of their studio releases is a tad bit above lukewarm. On the other hand, my impression of this double live album is extremely favorable. I would highly recommend it to all progressive rock fans.

For those not familiar with the band, this might be the place to start. If they can keep this momentum going into the next studio recording, this band will be sure to join the elite players at the top of the peak.

Released in North America by InsideOut Music America (IOMACD 60952)

Tracklisting:
Disc One: Mae Dae (3:23) / At Death's Door (7:15) / Sinking Sand (7:46) / Under Fire (6:11) / Broken Wave (5:46) / Blindsided (6:45) / Acquaintance (7:04) / Monday (7:58) / Progtology (6:54) / The Thirst (6:39) / Paint The Picture (6:50)

Disc Two: Under the Sun (7:40) / What To Say (4:57) / My Enemy (6:51) / Follow The Sun (6:05) / Break (4:48) / Seeds Of Hate (6:21) / Comatose (8:58) / Black Eyes & Broken Glass (acoustic) (4:44) / Colors Fade (acoustic) (5:12) / Pure (7:33) / Below Zero (6:32) / Oasis (9:13)

Musicians:
Bill Jenkins - keyboards
Ted Leonard - guitar, vocals
Douglas Ott - guitar, vocals
Ed Platt - bass
Sean Flanegan - drums

Discography:
A Blueprint of the World (1995)
Wounded (1997)
Time Lost (1997)
Break (1998)
Juggling 9 Or Dropping 10 (2000)
Blink Of An Eye (2002)
Tug Of War (2003)
Live At Last (2004)
The Great Divide (2014)
Live At Last (2004) (DVD)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: November 21st 2004
Reviewer: Joshua "Prawg Dawg" Turner
Score:
Artist website: www.enchantband.com
Hits: 2194
Language: english