There is no two ways about it. Mrs. Charone was very excited about this concert and gave it all thumbs up.
Read on!
Genesis
Bristol
Concert Review by Barbara Charone
Don`t ask about comparisons because I didn`t see the Rainbow. After catching two shows at the Bristol Hippodrome all I know is that Genesis just keep on getting better.
With every tour, material from their latest album sounds strongest. That`s the difference between creative longevity and greatest hits pantomime. Although the show is two hours long, it feels like five minutes. Songs from ‘Wind And Wuthering’ are unbelievably better on stage than on record. `The Eleventh Of Mar’ contains more passion, dynamics and drama than its vinyl counterpart. `One For The Vine’ is craftfully recreated with marvellous syncopation from Tony Banks. ‘Your Own Special Way’ is even more sensual and romantic.
But the biggest surprise is the instrumental… ‘In That Quiet Earth’, followed gently by ‘Afterglow’. Instrumentally this surpasses the musical tension and dexterity of ‘Supper’s Ready’. These two contrasting pieces prove that Genesis can do it all.
Latest addition Chester Thompson is nothing but one big bonus. Now the songs rock more than roll. You almost feel inclined to dance to ‘Squonk’ or ‘I Know What I Like’. During ‘Dance Of The Volcano’ two rows of fans did frenzied impressions of Status Quo fans.
While Bill Bruford added sophisticated percussive embellishment, Thompson keeps things cleaner. The overall effect makes Genesis a tighter, more solid musical unit.
Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford now play as one with the percussion as Banks melodically wraps themes round the substantial wall of sound. The effect is overwhelming. With Thompson, dual battery drumming works more effectively. During ‘Los Endos’ I expected both men to leave the theatre and continue their orbit into outer space. The stage literally took off.
Genesis now play with enough musical proficiency to make onstage visuals unnecessary. Genesis 1977 has all the majesty of the old but the grandeur belongs totally to the music. Their first tour completely void of backdrop projections and excess imagery, the lighting is absolutley superb. Rhythmically theatrical.
As for Phil Collins, his role as front man perfectly complements the Genesis scheme of things. Although his between song patter is entertaining, and his drumming excellent, the most incredible thing is his voice. After 19 shows in 16 days it was still exquisite.
With each new album and tour Genesis seem to reach new pinnacles of achievement. Their many splendoured wonders just keep on wuthering.
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