Credo: This Is What We Do Live In Poland (DVD)

Another stellar release from Metal Mind Productions sees the U.K. band Credo's first DVD entitled This is What We DO – Live in Poland. Although I have heard about the band previously I have not had the pleasure of hearing them. Credo are an interesting story. Formed in the late 70s the band did not release their first album Field of Vision until 1994. Eleven years later the band released the critically acclaimed Rhetoric. The band consists of Mark Colton (vocals and percussion), Tim Birrell (guitar), Mike Varty (of Shadowland on keyboards and backing vocals), Jim Murdoch (bass and backing vocals) and Martin Meads (drums). The concert was filmed at the Teatr Slaski, Katowice, Poland on October 13, 2008. For all the time between albums and upon hearing this DVD the first time, it was well worth the wait as this is superb melodic progressive rock in the neo end of the spectrum. Taking cues from bands like Arena, Marillion, Shadowland and early Genesis, Credo take a back seat to no one.

This is a first class effort by all involved and production quality is excellent throughout. The video is clear and crisp and the sound is superb. This is truly an exceptional theater to film a DVD and it is no wonder this is such a popular venue for progressive rock bands. The photography is very good and a variety of shots are used including the audience and all band members. Lots of close-up video is included which is always appreciated as we get to see how this truly wonderful music is produced. Clearly the most animated on stage is Colton as he belts out the songs with passion and intensity. He really puts everything into this performance and the somewhat reserved crowd clearly loves it. His voice is in the Fish mold, sometimes bearing a very close resemblance to the ex-Marillion front-man. The rest of the band go about their business in a truly professional manner. Perhaps the star of the show is guitarist Tim Birrell. He does not move around a lot during the course of this performance, but can he ever play guitar. Clearly in the Gilmour-Rothery school of guitarists, I had no idea he is such a wonderful player. From burning solos to melodic leads he does a fine job as he puts his stamp on every song.

The performance starts with the mid tempo "The Game", recalling 90s Arena. The chorus kicks it up a notch with pulsating synths while the slower sections feature lilting piano melodies and subtle guitar phrasings. "Turn the Gun Around", a song about all the senseless violence in the world around us, rocks hard with some heavier guitar riffs and strains of keys. Again, as with many of these songs, there is a nice contrast between the mellow and harder sections. Another stellar guitar solo is the musical highlight. The "Field of Vision" medley gives us a good overview of their first album. "Good Boy", in particular, is effective with excellent synths and guitar riffs harkening back to 80s Marillion. Credo saves their best for last, whether it's the poignant tribute to war veterans in the moving "Too Late…To Say Goodbye…" or the exceptional "From the Cradle… To the Grave…" featuring an incredible guitar solo from Birrell.

Bonus material contains an assortment of goodies including a rehearsal, photo shoot and live performances from the late 90s. It is interesting to see how the band has developed over the past ten years.

Overall, this is an excellent DVD and a worthwhile purchase for those partial to neo/melodic prog or any of the bands previously mentioned. This should hold you over until Credo's new album is released later this year!

Track Listing:
1. The Game
2. Turn the Gun Around
3. Skin Trade
4. Seems Like Yesterday
5. Field of Vision – Medley
a. Power to the Nth Degree
b. Phantom
c. Rules of Engagement
d. Good Boy
6. Round and Round (Working Title)
7. Too Late…
8. …To Say Goodbye
9. A Kindness
10. The Letter
11. From the Cradle…
12. …To the Grave

Bonus Material
Bonus Video:
Credo Behind the Scenes
From the Cradle (Credo live at the Rotherham ProgFest UK 1999)
The Letter (Credo live at the Rotherham ProgFest UK 1999)
Too Late to Say Goodbye (Credo live at The Summer's End Festival UK 2006)
Bonus Audio:
Checquered Past (First Statement, released on cassette tape 1992)
A Kindness (Credo live in Leeds 1998)

Added: May 31st 2009
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 23831
Language: english

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