Artist: House Of Shakira
Label: Lion Records
Released: 2006
This is the first DVD release from Swedish melodic hard rockers House Of Shakira. Judging by their years on the scene and the quality of their records, these guys are a well-oiled, seasoned machine. When a bigger crowd than usual turned up for their gig, they took the opportunity to capture the show on camera. They used three: right, left and center. The guys are in top form here and deliver an intense, high-voltage performance across the 40 minutes they were given.
For this show in particular, the band’s original singer Mikael Erikkson joined the guys on stage, and the band’s famed trademark, those always perfectly tuned vocal harmonies woven into the basic riff-driven song structures, shines in its brightest light this time. Nailing that element live gives it a whole new (higher) value compared to the studio recordings, where there’s always the chance to hide the unpleasant stuff – the occasional slip-up.
The band tailored the set list so it blends their creative peaks with some room to promote their then-current studio album “First Class” (Lion Music Records, 2004). The Songs Remains (“On The Verge”, 1998) is the perfect opener for any gig, and the guys know it full well. It’s placed right at the start, and the vibe ignites in an instant as melodic perfection and rocking punch go hand in hand. So House Of Shakira can hit hard straight away with Uncontrolled or Hey Lord (both from “First Class”), pile on the bombast with anthemic classics like Morning Over Morocco (“Lint”, 1997), Method Of Madness (“Lint”, 1997), In Yours Head (“III.”) or the excellent You Are (“First Class”), and then cool the mood down with something more sentimentally seductive on the list, like Wings (“III.”).
The guys can be seriously sparkling on stage and know how to tie the show together with wit. Sure, the quality of the footage doesn’t reach the level of big-budget productions, but to be honest, House Of Shakira aren’t exactly a band rolling in cash either. This DVD is a hugely important historical document for the band, and it matters all the more because, while we wait for a new studio album, it keeps the band’s name out there, now with a filmed performance too. The footage is clean and sensibly mixes close-ups of the individual members with wider angles of the whole band on stage and the fired-up crowd! No flashy junk, no “face glitter” and no other tacky tat. Just a bare stage, which you forget about in a second, because here’s a band that attacks with all its passion and goes all out! This DVD is just one more proof of what a powerful live act House Of Shakira are.
Among the extras, the interview with the band is especially interesting, where it turns out the guys are rather shy and awkward interviewees, which, funnily enough, comes across as downright hilarious. The inclusion of old video clips is a big deal too, especially the two from the days when House Of Shakira were still called The Station, sporting teased “Europe – fashion” hair and being an immensely pretty, powdered and loudly dressed-up glam rock band. This DVD is a must for all the band’s fans!
Lineup
Andreas Eklund – vocals
Mats Hallstensson – guitar
Anders Lundström – guitar
Per Schelander – bass guitar
Tony Andersson – drums
GUEST MUSICIAN:
Mikael Eriksson – vocals
Production
House Of Shakira
Tracklist
1. The Song Remains The Same
2. Uncontrolled
3. In Your Head
4. Hey Lord
5. Best Of Times
6. Wings/Seven Bridges Road
7. Morning Over Morocco
8. You Are
9. Method Of Madness
10. Pellucid (Part 2)
Concert runtime: 38.40
Extras:
1. House of Shakira biography
2. House of Shakira/
The Station videos 89-91
DVD runtime: 63.00
