The Gathering

The Gathering isn't the most exciting of live bands. The obvious Pink Floyd turn they've taken on their last couple of records can't be translated into a feast of live energy, and one can only stare at Anneke Van Giersbergen for so long. The Dutch band are definitely adept at pulling off their recorded shit live - sound effects and samples included - as evidenced in "Liberty Bell," "Probably Built in the Fifties," "Strange Machines" and "Marooned." However, the "sit and soak it in" jazz-like aesthetic of the Gathering's live show, and lack of excitement they generate doesn't do much for the listener at home who has already lived with studio versions.