CD Details

REDUX 92: LIVE IN JAPAN (CD+DVD)

UTOPIA
1993 , USA , EAN CODE 5013929733824 - EURO 17.50

Label: ESOTERIC RECORDINGS

ALBUM REVIEW
For this tour, Todd (yeah, I know Utopia is a collective, but one still gets the sense he's the one firmly in charge even at this stage) arranges the set list in a decidedly consistent, hard rocking arena format. The various subjects of the selected songs fade into the background in terms of relevance; best evidenced by how well the "Hammer in My Heart"-type material fits alongside the more overtly-political stuff from Swing to the Right. "Hiroshima" likewise alters the tone a bit. The tight aggression doesn't even stop for a ballad break until track 11. After that, Utopia uses it's second wind to return to business, such as the audience-pleaser "Love in Action." There is a bit of vaguely-audible inter-song banter between Todd and the audience to accentuate his fan acquiescence, highlighted by Todd's (alleged) spur-of-the-moment song request grant. The band then ends the show with the twin handy-holdy encores "One World" and "Love is the Answer." Well-balanced show, in terms of track list, lead guitar/synth balance, decent sound quality, and energy. This is about as good as any Utopia reunion tour will ever sound. (astradyne2 - Rate Your Music)