Spot the difference from 12 years ago…
Vision (8/10): Welcome back to 1996. What appeared tuneful and stalwartly convincing has gained in stature and proved its longevity. Retrospective but beyond regression.
Ability to execute (7/10): As robust and sonorous (in a workman like manner) as ever. The standards of 1996 have been maintained and maximised. They realise they are beyond fashion and enjoy the fact they are still able to perform these songs to a receptive and welcoming audience.
Crowd symbiosis (8/10): The fervent power of a converted and lyrically word perfect audience lifted a mere “event” into the realm of “occasion.”
Would see again (7/10): Good and dependable with moments of greatness. Whether I would ever see the “Expecting to Fly” suite again is questionable but it would remain pleasurable another 12 years from now.
