Review by Robyn Morrison
Somewhere in the Stratosphere is a double live CD/DVD package from SHINEDOWN.
CD number one in this package is an acoustic version of their songs live from Kansas City. It commences with a haunting version of
Heroes which begins as a predominantly instrumental version of this tune. Mid way through the song, roars from the crowd obviously pinpoint the exact moment when Brent Smith enters the stage. Not all songs transpose well from electric to acoustic and to be perfectly honest, if I was given the choice, I would always choose the plugged in version of a song.
But this is not the case with this disc. All of SHINEDOWN’s songs are interchangeable in either an electric or acoustic setting. And this is mainly due to a couple of factors; the diversity in Brent Smith’s voice coupled with the intricate melody lines. The chilling moment in
If You Only Knew in the final minute of this song comes courtesy of the crowd singing along with Smith sans band.
Smith introduces each song humbly and is greeted with enthusiastic cheers. The cover of
With A Little Help From My Friends is an interesting choice but fits this acoustic set perfectly and features a guest appearance from Will Hoge. This disc finishes with
Second Chance and yes, it’s a perfect song not only to end on but to deliver in acoustic mode.
Moving onto CD number two which captures their live show in Washington State, it kicks off with an instrumental introduction complete with screams and the sound of fireworks. It sets the scene for the next sixteen tracks. Shifting straight into the opening song,
Sound of Madness, the roar of the crowd highlights the anticipation. Brent Smith interacts with the crowd before lunging into
I Dare You enticing them to put their hands towards the sky and clap along to the opening bars of the song. The audience enthusiastically obliges.
This live disc transports you right out of your chair and into the crowd. The captured atmosphere is amazing and sometimes overshadows the song in tracks such as
If You Only Knew and
Diamond Eyes. There’s nothing new on this disc as far as recorded material goes but it’s a solid collection of SHINEDOWN’s back catalogue. This is straight up rock which replicates their recorded sound well.
Smith engages the crowd with just the right amount of balance, as evident in Left Out. When you attend a live show you expect to hear your favourite songs laced with some commentary from the band. And SHINEDOWN offers just the right amount of interaction without detracting from their set list. Smith’s vocals are pitch perfect and strike the right balance in the mix with the rest of the band. The second disc too, ends with the familiar sounds of Second Chance.
The first DVD in this package showcases the acoustic show at The Midland in Kansas City. The opening visuals take you backstage with SHINEDOWN as they prepare for their performance panning over to the merch stand and the crowd painting a picture of what’s about come. There’s the band bonding session over paper cups of beer prior to the show and images of the band signing posters for fans. Smith openly talks to the audience about his battle with drug addiction and how he overcame that addiction which segues nicely into Save Me. This show is set in a grand old theatre and is conducive to an acoustic set. There are some more personal moments when Smith shares his story about the moment he discovered he was going to be a father and how the birth of his son broke down his vanity and dedicates If You Only Knew to him. This DVD is very personal and intimate and allows fans to see another side to SHINEDOWN.
Declaring their love for the FOO FIGHTERS, the band gives us their acoustic rendition of
Times Like These halfway through their set and it’s a version which is true to the original. Speaking about their trip to Kuwait and Iraq in 2005 to visit the special individuals in the military services to show their love and respect is met with patriotic cheers. It’s a very intimate DVD which is mostly shot in dark or red lighting, but it befits the mood conveyed by the band.
DVD number two is the electric concert from Washington State in all of its visual glory. And it’s called the electric version with good reason. The lights are turned up, the amps are blasting and Smith enters the stage in top hat and sunglasses to launch straight into
Sound of Madness. The several camera angles capture the essence of SHINEDOWN’s live show and allows you to be front and centre for the entire show.
The pyrotechnics coupled with the entire crowd jumping in unison immediately on the first chord struck in
Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide encapsulates the energy of SHINEDOWN’s show. There’s no doubt that SHINEDOWN know how to entertain their fans. The light show, the visuals and Smith’s commandment of the stage on his personal podium are portrayed well in this DVD. If you ever had a reservation about whether you wanted to spend your hard earned dollars on a live SHINEDOWN show, this is the DVD to convince you.
My recommendation; watch the electric version of their show first, move onto the acoustic version for a mellow evening or a cruisy Sunday afternoon and ensure you have both CDs ready in your car stereo for there isn’t a clanger on either of these discs. And although you might have these songs already on their studio albums, you won’t regret getting your hands on this live set.
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