live at the spirit

VERSUS X could become one of the greatest modern Progressive rock bands and the one with the most personality. Those four German musicians (Guitar-vocals, keyboards, bass & drums) perform an elaborate and suggestive music that goes through a lot of effort to create different ambiences. The lyrics (Sung in perfect English by a top vocalist) show an ambition that is only matched by the complex and hyper-refined instrumentation. If it is always possible to relate this band to some Seventies references (Some atmosphere and the singers' voice could evoke ELOY), this mainly translates in their feelings, not so much of the formal aspect of their work. So, the result is some decisively original tracks with a quite unique sound. Issued in 1994, their eponymous album can at times remind of some golden Progressive rock bands (KING CRIMSON, EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER, CAMEL…). However, guitarist-singer Arne SCHÄFER and keyboardist Ekkehard NAHM’s band truly got big two years later with “Disturbance”, three long suites for a true success in their genre. Here is then a must from the Nineties ! With such an evocative title as “The Turbulent Zone” (2000), the determining influence on VERSUS X of VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR & Peter HAMMILL as far as composition is concerned, is quite evident. The Mellotron is present with a tonality that evokes ANEKDOTEN’s Northern sadness. This band’s talent is undeniable, both in studio and live. The proof of it is “Live At The Spirit”, that allows to show the band’s high energy on stage. This live album was recorded in 2002 at the Spirit Of 66, in Verviers Belgium, given that Francis GERON’s concert hall is particularly beloved by the Progressive rock line-ups…