Leprous – Live at Rockefeller Music Hall (InsideOut)
Wednesday, 28th December 2016
One of the most exciting and hyped progressive bands at the current moment has to be that of Norway’s Leprous. With plenty of touring under their belts, and 4 full-length albums to their name, the time seemed as good as any to put forth a live album, taken from their hometown in Oslo. For those who have not been able catch them live, Live at Rockefeller Music Hall is a good way to get a glimpse of their presence.
The setlist, spanning 2 discs and over 100 minutes of music, should please Leprous fans. Much of the music does come from the last two albums, but it all comes together seamlessly in the live arena. The audio is crisp and makes for a listen that stands neck and neck with what the band has done with studio albums. As for the video content, there’s some plusses and minuses. There’s a wide variety of cuts, including some cool ones from the back of the venue that capture the band and crowd together. The combination of cuts between the receptive audience and the band members is also done well (along with some of the visuals they used in the background). It’s clear that the band is comprised of some engaging performers, with vocalist/keyboardist Einar Solberg leading the act with plenty of charisma. The downside, is how frequently the cuts move – the camera never stays in place for more than a few seconds and it seeming always bouncing around. With the band’s technical material, it would be nice to see more than a few seconds focusing on a band member.
The double-disc of audio in this case alone is worth the price of admission, with the DVD being the icing on the cake so to speak. Despite the frequent cuts, it’s still an enjoyable watch that captures the band at their best on stage. A no-brainer if you enjoy Leprous.
