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Review:
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After the studio-albums Mirror Of Insanity (2005),
Gentry (2005) and Human Trafficking (2007), the Canadian
formation Red Sand decided to release a live DVD entitled
Au Cabaret Du Liquor Store. The title points at a place
in Quebec where the regular concert was recorded but this
DVD also contains a short ‘unplugged session recorded in
the Resto-Bar in Beaugarte (2006).
Red Sand their sound is firmly rooted in the early Marillion
tradition. Especially guitarist Simon Caron often plays
very similar to Steve Rothery: moving with frequent howling
runs and use of the tremolo arm. At some moments his sound
is more in the vein of Andy Latimer like in the Camel inspired
Lost, a very beautiful song that contains wonderful interplay
between the guitar and piano. But in general Red Sand sounds
like early Marillion, the more bombastic parts in Human
Trafficking and Submissive (both layered with compelling
Mellotron waves) are close to the compelling final parts
in the Marillion epics Chelsea Monday and Forgotten Sons.
And the track Blame reminds me of Market Square Heroes,
very catchy and enthousiastic. So lots of early Marillion
hints but I don’t mind because Red Sand plays warm and inspired
and the fans love it! The singer acts like a blend of Peter
Gabriel and Fish with his police costume (Human Trafficking),
mask and red cap (Submissive) and strait jacket (Blame)
but more subdued, not as theatrical as his heroes. The lightshow
is no more or less than functional and the stories are in
French but the vocals in English (with an obvious accent).
The ‘unplugged’ session (15 minutes) contains four sompositions
(Loving Child, World, Cradle and Gentry) that sound beautiful
and pretty romantic featuring inspired vocals, delicate
piano work and warm acoustic guitar, especially the rendition
of Gentry is great with a fine guitar solo.
This DVD is not optimal in terms of recordings and visuals,
nonetheless it showcases Red Sand their tasteful early Marillion
inspired sound with emotional guitarwork and wonderful Mellotron
waves.
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