Sea Of Tranquility



The Web Source for Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal & Jazz-Fusion
  Search   in       
Main Menu




Pendragon: Out of Order Comes Chaos

The Dragons are back!

Yes, they have recorded another live double CD in Poland, during the Passion Tour of 2011. The title, Out of Order Comes Chaos perhaps borrows some inspiration from the title of Discipline's 1988 album, Chaos Out of Order, enjoying its 25th anniversary this year. The new double CD follows only two years after the release of their last double live CD, Concerto Maximo. Out of Order Comes Chaos coupled with Concerto Maximo provides Pendragon fans with an almost complete live catalog of most of their favorite songs.

Pendragon is the UK Neo-Prog band made up of band leader, lyricist and spokesman, Nick Barrett, on guitars and vocals; Peter Gee, on bass; Clive Nolan, on keyboards; and Scott Higham, on drums. They have gone through a few musical style changes in recent years, but have maintained relatively the same members through most of the last 35 years.

Out of Order Comes Chaos is a great live presentation of the band's most recent studio album Passion, (with four of the seven tracks played live), combined with some of their fan favorites and best works.

The first CD opens with the title track from their latest studio album Passion, along with its dramatic opening excerpt "Drop my balls". That accomplished, the band moves through the new track with deft precision.

Then they drift into the deep past with "Back in the Spotlight", from what the band considers, their "nirvana" album, The World . The World is considered by many to be the album which helped lift the band into the pantheon of leadership of the many Neo – Prog bands of the era. Although the rendition is well played with passion, only the devout fans will probably remember the song. But it is great to hear in all its glory again.

Clive Nolan's expert piano keyboards open the classic "Ghosts" off Window of Life. Hearing these famous tracks again with new life breathed into them is a nice return journey. Yes, "This is where my story will be told…and let the story unfold". Up on stage, live in front of an audience. Unfortunately this audience does not capture that moment with enough applause.

For many fans of Pendragon, the album Not of this World, is a favorite. So hearing the title track live must have been a real treat. At over 16 minutes and containing some of Barrett's best penned lyrics, it is a highlight of this CD set. Very dramatic and full of emotion.

"Comatose", was my favorite track off the Pure album, and I'm not the only one. They leave nothing on the "cutting room floor" for this one.

If Not of this World, is one of the fans' favorite albums, then "If I Were the Wind", is one of the fan's favorite album tracks. Here the band again pours out the feeling and instrumentation that won them fame within the period before the Pure album.

"Empathy", off Passion closes out the first CD with the power and flair that dominated the Pure album.

The second CD opens with "This Green and Pleasant Land" off Passion. I consider it the successor to the power and emotion of "Comatose". Like that track it is long and full of some great emotional and personal lyrics.

"Shane", off The World will take fans way back towards the band's beginning. New fans may enjoy the imaginative lyrics. The opening they play is a glorious way to celebrate the past.

"Feeding Frenzy" off Passion, is another of those songs that could have been placed on either the Pure or Passion albums. It is full force and they play it with no holds barred.

"Last Man on Earth" takes you back to The Window of Life album in high style.

"Indigo" off Pure, was left off Concerto Maximo, and I think it miffed many of the band's most strident fans. The band has made up for the oversight… and more, with this energetic live performance.

"Prayer" off The World is another great trip back in time bringing this classic to life before a live audience.

"Paintbox", off Masquerade Overture, used to be my favorite album track from the band, before "Wishing Well" came along from the Believe album. The band brings back the track in all its glory here live.

Pendragon, like most bands enjoy the stage. That is where they excel. Though their studio recordings do try to capture that feeling, there really is no way to capture it completely other than to be out in front of your peers. The band powers through the rockers and provides great feeling during the more emotional tracks.

The addition of Scott Higham was a major turning point for this band. Every song on this double disc bears his signature power and feeling from the kit. Along with the deep emotional lyrics of Barrett, the anchoring bass of Gee, and the Wakeman - inspired keyboards of Nolan, this band has proven it can play in front of audiences in Poland's Theatr Slaski in Katowice.

They're coming to Canada, maybe they'll put together a US tour, and we'll all get to see the show live.

Track Listing:

CD - 1

1. Passion
2. Back in the Spotlight
3. Ghosts
4. Not of this World
5. Comatose
6. If I Were the Wind
7. Empathy

CD - 2

1. This Green and Pleasant Land
2. Shane
3. Feeding Frenzy
4. Last Man on Earth
5. Indigo
6. Prayer
7. Paintbox

Added: July 11th 2013
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: www.pendragon.mu
Hits: 2674
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend Send to a Friend ]

  

[ Back to the Reviews Index | Post Comment ]



© 2004 Sea Of Tranquility
For information regarding where to send CD promos and advertising, please see our FAQ page.
If you have questions or comments, please Contact Us.
Please see our Policies Page for Site Usage, Privacy, and Copyright Policies.

All logos and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owner. The comments are property of their posters, all other content © Sea of Tranquility

SoT is Hosted by SpeedSoft.com