REVIEW: Dream Theater, Once in a LIVEtime (EastWest)
- Dan Birchall
Dream Theater has been a part of the progressive rock and metal scene for a decade, and a major force since vocalist James LaBrie joined the band in the early 90's. Three full-length albums and two EP's later, the band consists of LaBrie, bassist John Myung, guitarist John Petrucci, drummer Mike Portnoy, and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. On this live double album, the five showcase their technical and artistic abilities.
They're hardly lacking in either area. Why simplify complex studio songs for the road like most bands? They add even more twists, turns and rhythm fills in person. On stage, they leap at chances to include embellishments or improvise as a group in mid-song. Their antics are akin to the Grateful Dead or Phish - but with an emphasis on technique, a driving beat, and the volume knob set on eleven. Songs stretch far beyond their normal length. Unknown lyrics crop up. And often, they veer unexpectedly into a few bars of something from Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, or even Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Four tracks, including the opener and closer, are segments of the group's 23-minute epic song, "A Change of Seasons." They also draw extensively from their last three albums, and include one song from their first album, along with three instrumental solos - two of which evolve into group jams. Other surprises include an amusing pause in the midst of a song for a "french horn" playing an equestrian fanfare, and a great guest appearance by Spyro Gyra's Jay Beckenstein on alto saxophone, lending a jazzy, new-age flavor to "Take Away My Pain."
This is obviously a "must have" for Dream Theater's diehard fans, but it's more than that. The sheer volume of material crammed in a single jewel case - 23 songs and 154 minutes of music on 2 discs - makes it the ideal overview of the band's career to date. Excellent sound and production and an enthusiastic crowd make it even better. Whether you're a new fan interested in the past, a pop fan wondering what the whole "progressive" fuss is about, or a collector looking for the ultimate single example of Dream Theater's work, Once in a LIVEtime is highly recommended.
