Van der Graaf Generator: Live at Rockpalast 2005

After a successful reunion concert at the Royal Festival Hall in May of 2005 the band went on tour for the first time in a number of years as the band had been apart since 1979 citing financial reasons. VDGG have never been one to appeal to the masses but in progressive rock circles they are held in high esteem and for good reason. They have been one of the most interesting and innovative bands to emerge from the progressive rock genre and that is why this live document is so important. The concert was held in Leverkusen on November 5, 2005 and the band made the most of it that night.

The band’s four musicians; Peter Hammill (vocals, guitar, keyboards), David Jackson (saxophones, flute), Hugh Banton (organ, bass) and Guy Evans (drums) are total equals fitting together musically like the proverbial hand in glove. The band is identified by Evans’ complex drum patterns, Banton’s unforgettable organ runs and Jackson’s flute and sax work etched with fire and then there’s the voice of Hammill, unmistakable as he dramatically spits out the words, of which the meaning runs deep. The first two tracks; “The Undercover Man� and “Scorched Earth� are taken from the Godbluff album. A solitary flute soon joined by a stark and minimalistic keyboard offer a moody beginning. Soon the entire band joins as Hammill’s fragile and emotive vocals cement their signature sound. The drumming of Evans demonstrates both finesse and power, such a diverse talent he is. Of course the organ is thoughtfully present as well as these four musicians wind their way through the song’s complex structure. “Every Bloody Emperor� is next and is a new song for me as I have yet to hear the band’s comeback album Present. Floating keyboards, ethereal sax and nuanced drum work defines the band’s mastery of the unplayed note. “Nutter Alert� is the other song taken from Present, a beautifully flowing track highlighting fantastically played organ and saxophone. Of course the disjointed twists and turns come out of left field, never letting the listener get overly comfortable. The intense and musically challenging “Lemmings� features an extended and frenzied band workout as only VDGG could do and represents the classic Pawn Hearts album extraordinarily well. The softer edged beginning of “Man Erg�, the other Pawn Hearts composition features an amazing vocal performance from Hammill, so heartfelt and spine tingling. And then all hell breaks loose. If you are familiar with the band you know what that means; the craziness ensues.

For 105 minutes the band put on a great performance and considering how much time had passed since their disbanding proves you can’t keep a good musician down. It’s almost like no time had passed at all. A sign of a truly exceptional band. Folks, this is one set to treasure.

Track Listing:
DVD/CD 1
1. The Undercover Man (7:09)
2. Scorched Earth (9:39)
3. Every Bloody Emperor (7:36)
4. Lemmings (13:57)
5. Darkness (7:52)
6. Childlike Earth (12:28)

DVD/CD 2
1. The Sleepwalkers (10:38)
2. Nutter Alert (7:01)
3. Man Erg (12:29)
4. Killer (8:33)
5. Wondering (6:37)

Added: October 5th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
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Language: english

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