Galahad: Solidarity Live In Konin

Nine years on from the DVD, Resonance Live In Poland, Galahad are back in a country that's been a real stronghold for them in recent years, with the 2CD/DVD set Solidarity Live In Konin. However with two all new albums released in those years only three tracks, "Sleepers", "This Life Could Be My Last" and "Empires Never Last" appear on both, nine of the other ten tracks coming from 2012's Battle Scars and Beyond The Realms Of Euphoria. It's a clear sign of how proud Galahad are of their most recent work and no wonder; both albums are excellent and here the songs find even more little nuances and dazzling outbursts to seduce and excite.

The opening pulses of "Salvation I - Overture" set the scene beautifully, the dance themes rushing forth and invigorating from the off, before "Salvation II - Judgement Day" kicks proceedings into top gear. Vocalist Stuart Nicholson really comes alive on stage, his voice somehow carrying even more character and threat than his studio performances. This natural exuberance raises "This Life.." and "Sleepers" to ever greater heights. However never doubt that Galahad have the ability to grab you by the scruff of the neck and drag you kicking and screaming through the intricate melee of "Secret Kingdoms…" or "…And Secret Worlds", bulging riffs from Roy Keyworth and surging keys from Dean Baker combining to truly stunning effect. "Empires Never Last" is always a crowd favourite and here is no different, the telling lyrics and dramatic music meshing in a perfect pincer movement, before "Beyond The Barbed Wire" (which features sampled bass from Neil Pepper who sadly passed away in 2011) proves an atmospheric threat of real force. Having featured early in proceedings "Guardian Angel" also closes out the main set in its "Reprise" setting, the latter a remarkably different experience from the main song itself. Nicholson comes out alone for the first encore, a captivating a cappella take on the (extremely) early Galahad number, "Painted Lady", his impassioned performance a true highlight, before the uplifting explosion of "Seize The Day" brings the set to a close magnificently.

The sound on the CDs shimmers and stabs through its clarity and yet there's no denying this is a live and honest performance that illustrates this band's classy chops, although there are a few moments where the crowd are ever so slightly high in the mix. Something the DVD portion rectifies nicely, the audience still in evidence, but never intruding. Visually the performance is equally captivating, drummer Spencer Luckman a true powerhouse, Nicholson visibly changing character from song to song, while Baker, Keyworth (who in his stripped jacket, camouflage trousers and red nail polish is a sight to behold!) and Spencer clearly love every second. In truth by comparison to the uber slick multi camera Bluray productions many bands can afford these days, the picture clarity, shot selection and camera work can in places be a little basic. However none of those aspects have stopped me watching this show countless times over recent weeks, the performances more than enough to compensate for any possible budgetary restrictions.

I've been on record many times before extolling the virtues of Galahad, possibly the UK's most underrated progressive (that tag really doesn't do the band justice) outfit. If you're looking for proof, it's right here, Solidarity Live In Konin being as strong a live release as you could hope to find.

With a remaster of their 1995 album Sleepers just released and a retrospective containing a mix of classic and re-recorded tracks due anytime now, it's a good time to be a Galahad fan, but then 2015 is the band's 30th anniversary. Reaching that milestone is impressive, however that any band can sound this vital at this stage of their career is something truly worth celebrating.

Track Listing
CD1
1. Salvation I – Overture
2. Salvation II – Judgement Day
3. Guardian Angel
4. Empires Never Last
5. Secret Kingdoms..
6. ..And Secret Worlds
7. Singularity

CD2
8. Beyond the Barbed Wire
9. This Life Could Be My Last
10. Sleepers
11. Guardian Angel – Reprise
12. Painted Lady
13. Seize the Day

DVD
1. Salvation I – Overture
2. Salvation II – Judgement Day
3. Guardian Angel
4. Empires Never Last
5. Secret Kingdoms..
6. ..And Secret Worlds
7. Singularity
8. Beyond the Barbed Wire
9. This Life Could Be My Last
10. Sleepers
11. Guardian Angel – Reprise
12. Painted Lady
13. Seize the Day

Added: November 1st 2015
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Galahad Online
Hits: 2404
Language: english

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