| The
Review |
It Bites were a progressive rock
band with more emphasis on the 'rock' part of the equasion,
offering some great energetic AOR with progressive art rock
flourishes during their somewhat brief existence. This DVD
is devoid of any extras or interviews whatsoever, but the
concert film is still fun to watch, as It Bites put on a rocking
set. While the sound is great and the songs rock, this definately
worth watching for the performance itself, which finds It
Bites hopping and bopping. A great antidote for too many 'serious'
performances by too many 'prog' bands who perform as if in
a manic depressive slump. It Bites are about the rock & roll
aspect, with more than enough chops and panoramic textures
to stand out above your average AOR rock as well.***
I suppose It Bites never got their
due possibly because nobody knew what to do with them. The
'prog snob' crowd didn't, and perhaps they were too odd for
mainstream too, I guess. A band name like It Bites and album
titles like 'Eat Me IN St. Louis' probably didn't help either.
A shame, but if acts like Asia, Saga, Magnum, Billy Sherwood/Conspiracy
or Jadis interested you, then It Bites is worth investigating.
One thing I noticed is how many people mention that singer
guitarist Francis Dunnery sounds like Peter Gabriel. I would
say only a little, and probably only by the natural timbre
and texture of his voice. All those other bands try to sound
like Gabriel, but Dunnery doesn't try to sound like anyone
but himself. His voice I suppose just has a natural similarity
rather than a contrieved one. His stage mannerisms remind
me of somebody like maybe Todd Rundgren, and looks almost
like a Kurt Cobain or a Kim Mitchell. He's a natural showman
as well as a solid musician. John Beck on keyboards also is
quite lively on this recording, providing a wealth of keyboard
greatness and a solid background vocal personality. It Bites
are very animated on this disc.***
A lot of their best driving rock
anthems are here(Kiss Like Judas, Calling All The Heroes,
All In Red) as well as some great atmospheric moments like
Ice Melts Into Water. And the band does what should be done,
which is put on a good rock show. Unlike many concert DVDs,
this one merits repeated viewings just for the great live
energy and great tunes.***
Good stuff indeed.
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