Caspian ~ Live at Old South Church

I’ve never understood the “Caspian backlash”, which seems to apply to numerous other post-rock bands as well: a tendency for reviewers to hype initial releases, then to slag subsequent releases for every reason imaginable (sounds like the last release/does not sound like the last release, too safe/too experimental) and to insult fans for their allegiances.  Fans know the difference between a good release and a bad one, and they don’t need us to tell them.  Caspian has been solid from the start, and has done its part to push post-rock into the consciousness of the masses, which is a difficult thing to do in a genre that is constantly being accused of dying.

Live at Old South Church is a wonderful showcase for an act that many say sounds better live.  On the basis of this release, one would have to agree.  The best way to judge a live album is to compare the live versions with the originals, and here the new versions trump the old.  “Last Rites” (an odd title for an opening track) adds light choral touches to the opening minutes, honoring the setting; and the post-rock peaks come across as more vibrant and full than ever.  “The Dove”, originally a bridge piece, adds sound effects and timbre shifts, including a string-dappled center.  This helps the three-minute track to become more than the introduction to “ASA”.  That selection sheds its acoustic outro, which is too bad, although the bulk of the song retains its power.  “Concrescence”, like “The Dove” before it, gains depth and feeling live, adding volume as it progresses.  In the studio, “Sycamore” was solid, but staid; live, it’s the sound of a band busting loose, pushing itself to new heights to provide a climax that is not only loud, but cathartic.  The original version concluded with a drum section, but the live version sounds more like a drum solo, and the audience’s response is exuberant.

Caspian fans are well-served here, and new fans may also be drawn in.  The only clear drawback is the album’s length; is it possible that the band only played for 35 minutes?  Could they not have made space for “The Raven” and “Malacoda”?  Unfortunately, a live album is not a greatest hits album, so we’ll have to be satisfied with what we have.  Fortunately, what we do have is proof of the band’s vitality in a live setting.  Now it’s time for some new studio material; or even better, an album of new material played live.  (Richard Allen)

Part of the proceeds will help to provide care to the victims of sexual trafficking.

Available here