When it comes to most prog-rock you know what you're getting
George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 09/10/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"What's good about it?
This two-disc release is split into two parts. Disc 1 features a live performance from Lana Lane's return to Japan. The first four tracks a various intros strung into one. Things kick off with dark chugga-chugga riffs that hint something frightening is around the corner on "Esher's Staircase". Could this be the stairway to heaven? Besides having a catchy chorus, "The Beast Within You" displays Lana's warm and melodic vocals over some haunting chamber music. "Queen of the Ocean" is a powerful and epic tale set to a regal drumbeat. "Project Shangri-La" picks up the tempo with a galloping guitar pace. This one is heavy on brass sounding synths. "Evolution Revolution" is a multi-tempoed song that explores how man came to be. It has some wicked guitar licks that are mimicked by keys. "Night Falls" has more a heavy metal metal feel to it with its heavy riffs. The synths make sure the track doesn't stray too far from prog-rock. Disc one concludes with two synth heavy instrumentals, "Astrology Prelude" and "Redemption Part II".
Disc two features and unplugged performance with Lana and Erik. Unlike typical unplugged performances that are done on acoustics, this one is just keyboards and vocals. "Take a Breath" is highlighted by clean piano tones and commanding melodic vocals. "Stardust" is a somber tender ballad, while "Symphony of Angels" is a power ballad of sorts. On "Let Heaven In", the keyboards set up a nice marching like rhythm. By the time this ballad rolls around you'll really start to appreciate Lana's vocals on her ballads. Three live covers are featured on this disc as well. Aerosmith's "Dream On" is just as emotional as the original. King Crimson's "In the Court of the Crimson King" is true to the original, but Lane and Co. adds their own stylings to it. There are no words for Lana's prog-rock version of Rainbow's "Long Live Rock N' Roll. It's different, to say the least.
Anything bad?
Lana and Erik were not satisfied with the guitarist's live performance so they replaced his parts in the studio with another guitarist. At least they admit to it. Not much crowd noise for a live disc. It makes you wonder how much more was touched up.
Bottom Line
When it comes to most prog-rock you know what you're getting musically; songs about mystery, the unknown, the supernatural, and Dudgeon and Dragon's stuff. That pretty much sums up Lana Lane. The 'live' performances are flawless, but you know the deal with live releases. Return to Japan is a good sampling of the group career that's sure to please longtime fans (the unplugged performances specifically) as well as newcomers.
"
Track Listings (28) - Disc #1