Ritual - Live

Year of Release: 2006
Label: Tempus Fugit
Catalog Number: TF VO 21
Format: CD
Total Time: 100:15:00

In 2004, with three studio albums under their belt, Ritual thought it was time to release a live CD. Compiling together performances from their European tour with Anekdoten in support of their then current studio album Think Like A Mountain, as they recorded every show in order capture the best performance of each track, the band has fashioned a terrific live document, which they released in 2006. The particular tracks used are not mapped to a particular date on the tour (although, "Typhoons Decide" is from their April 11, 2004 show in The Netherlands*), but the whole performance flows together so seamlessly that it isn't until you read that they're from different dates that you know. Well, naturally, now all of you know, having read this review.

The result is a very powerful live set with everyone "on their game," certainly on the first disk, which really could have been a complete live document on its own. Tracks like "What Are You Waiting For," "Did I Go Wrong" and "Solitary Man" leap out of the speakers. "Moomin Took My Head" is another standout. This live album includes also includes the instrumental "Vision Quest," a piece that appeared also in live form on the Japanese version of Ritual (well, sort of instrumental, as I clearly hear vocalist Patrik Lundström vocalizing though he is not singing, per se).

The second disk is just as strong, with "Do You Wanna See The Sun" and "Seasong For The Moomin Papa" being one of several highlights, which also includes a medley of tracks from their first album, the most acoustic material: "A Little More Like Me," "The Way Of Things," "Dependence Day," "You Can Never Tell," and "Life Has Just Begun."

What makes it feel like a "being there" release is the inclusion of the between song talking to the audience - the usual, "the next song?" and the band intros, but it paints a complete picture and helps to make it sound like one performance (and in truth, much of the material could have been from only a few of the 9 dates in total). The sound clarity just sparkles, all bits of percussion ringing true, vocals clear, guitars shimmer? What comes through clearly is that this quartet enjoys performing, as it sounds as if they are giving their all. Although, I did keep thinking that "it's just not right" that Lundström can hit notes so very high? and I mean high! Not that I wish to myself, personally, but? should it be possible for anyone to get there? (Or maybe it's just should a man be able to get there?).

Anyway, in all, 8 of Think's 12 tracks are represented, 4 from Superb Birth (their second album) and 4 from their debut Ritual (plus the medley). The booklet is nice, too, with a lot of live pictures and candid shots, and tour itinerary.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this album, although I tended to get stuck on disc 1? If you haven't engaged in any Ritual, this would be a fine place to start.

Also distributed in Europe by InsideOut (SPV 48572 DCD) and in North America by InsideOut Music America.

*According to their website, a news item from 2004.
Tracklisting:
Disc One: Vision Quest (3:24) / What You Waiting For (3:36) / Typhoons Decide (5:41) / Really Something (3:39) / Moomin Took My Head (4:13) / Infinite Justice (6:25) / Humble Decision (4:03) / Once The Tree Would Bloom (4:01) / Did I Go Wrong (5:43) / Think Like A Mountain (4:49) / Solitary Man (10:08)

Dinosaur Spaceship (5:54) / Explosive Paste (4:46) / Acoustic Medley (8:38) (featuring: A Little More Like Me - The Way Of Things - Dependence Day - You Can Never Tell - LIfe Has Just Begun) / Mother You've Been Gone For Much Too Long (10:31) / Do You Wanna See The Sun (5:27) / Big Black Secret (7:32) / Seasong For The Moomin Pappa (10:45)

Musicians:
Jon Gamble - keyboards, backing vocals, percussion
Fredrik Lindqvist - bass, v-bass, octave mandolin, recorders and backing vocals
Patrik Lundstrom - lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitars
Johan Nordgren - drums, percussion, nyckelharpa (keyed fiddle), and backing vocals

Discography:
Ritual (1995/2004)
Ritual (1996) (Japanese version)
Did I Go Wrong (EP) (1999)
Superb Birth (1999/2000/2004)
Think Like A Mountain (2003)
Live (2006)
The Hemulic Voluntary Band (2007)
Glimpses From The Story Of Mr. Bogd (2020)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin SE

Added: December 30th 2007
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Artist website: www.ritual.se
Hits: 2604
Language: english