Live - Distance to Here @FLAC

Throughout much of the '90s, Live has been tabbed to inherit the serious rock mantle from R.E.M. and U2. On their fourth album, the four childhood friends continue down this path as they once again don their hair-shirts of tortured introspection and inquisitiveness. Former Talking Head Jerry Harrison returns behind the board after previous productions. As was the case on these previous Live albums, Harrison harnesses the band's chemistry in a way that reinforces frontman Ed Kowalczyk's weighty lyrics. Kowalczyk howls with controlled ferocity as he sings about various spiritual quests that occur via Western and Eastern doctrines of religion. Guitarist Chad Taylor fuels this fervor with unbridled fury. Live even updates its meat-and-potatoes instrumental setup by adding a dollop of loops. For as much unchecked passion that this Pennsylvania quartet can muster, the band also demonstrates an uncanny mastery of dynamics.