This is a newly reissued live album from Brand X. It should be pointed out that the sound quality is pretty good, but not great by modern standards. The performances, on the other hand, are pretty awesome. They really run the gamut from the fusion type stuff normally associated with Brand X to things that feel similar to Phil Collins' other band, Genesis. There are even songs here with vocals. However you slice it, this is well worth having.

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This comes in gradually with atmospheric tones and a persistent drum beat guiding it early. It’s after the three minute mark before it powers up substantially. It gets into some serious rocking sounds as it continues. By around the five minute mark it’s drop back towards atmosphere. Then piano takes command of the piece creating some delicate and intricate melodies. It powers back up from there into some seriously energetic and rocking fusion sounds. The guitar really creates some awesome lines of melody over the top. Then they drop it back again, but not as far this time. The cut continues evolving work out to some seriously furious progressive rock after a time. It rises and falls in terms of intensity and volume, and seems to wander between the more jazzy and more rocking side of fusion. It’s definitely one heck of a ride. It ends with some talk to the crowd.

This song is different for the Brand X catalog as it has vocals. It definitely lands in healthy progressive rock territory. In some ways comparisons to Genesis wouldn’t be out of the question. Of course, Collins’ vocals beg that reference, but it’s more than just that. Some of the music feels similar. It’s definitely not fusion. In fact, I don’t really make out a lot of fusion at all here. It’s just a good rock tune that alternates between mellower and more rocking sounds. Some parts of this even remind me a bit of Rush.

They waste no time here as a frantic bit of fusion starts it. Then it drops way down as Percy Jones bass creates some cool melody sections. That instrument holds it in a solo until after the one minute mark when the whole group power out into some serious fusion. It works forward in a somewhat straight line for the first six minutes or so. That said, there are shifts and changes and different instruments lead the way at different points. Then it drops way down for a mellower motif in which the musical explorations continue, just at a more sedate level. At times this section makes me think of some of the mellower side of Pat Metheny’s musical catalog. After continuing in this more sedate way, it works out to a fast paced jazz jam around the eleven minute mark.

The encore starts with introductions of the band members. Then a burst of sound is heard and they take it out from there into some classy fusion. This is quite a cool ride. At times it leans toward mellower sides. At times it rocks out in screaming passion. Each member of the group gets a chance to shine here with little mini-solos built into the beast. I particularly like the funky jam around the eight minute mark. The piece continues to evolve but remains fusion throughout. It’s a great way to rap things up.