Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Isis - Live 5 (2009)

The final live Isis album, which was released in 2009 after Wavering Radiant, contains Oceanic in full. Your appreciation of this album will likely depend on the extent to which you appreciate Oceanic.

First of all, the recording quality is superior to previous live albums, which is greatly appreciated. The band can be heard in their full glory, and the mix seems just about perfect for the setlist they play. The bass and guitars are all audible, and Turner's voice doesn't drown out the rest of the band. There also isn't a problem with audience "interaction" here as there is on previous live releases.

Isis plays the definitive and extended versions of Oceanic here, and they will sound familiar to those who have heard previous live releases or seen the band live. The ambient intro to "The Beginning and the End" sounds as good as ever, and it's completely audible. The only disappointment is the lack of vocals on "Weight," which is one of my favorites.

Isis obliterates Oceanic on this album, and fans of that album will almost certainly appreciate this live album.

Verdict: Win [8/10]

http://www.isistheband.com

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