User Reviews

Dreams So Real is a full length concert filmed with 20+ cameras in 4k video resolution at their Vancouver British Columbia, Canada stop as part of their 2016 Pagans In Vegas record world tour. This theatrically screened movie begins with footage of the band in an off stage candid fashion. Things like loading in their equipment, rehearsing a backup choir, conversations etc etc. Its purpose is to give a fan or unbeknownst viewer a snapshot into the personalities of each band member. It's not entirely engaging, but it does make this film more of a 'film' experience. The real treat of course is the concert, in which every song is performed with perfection- testament to the ongoing hardwork this band puts every day into their 15+ year career. The music is recorded extremely well in ultra high fidelity and is offered in stereo or 5.1 surround sound mixes. (Mixes by Peter Gabriel and Tool producer/engineer David Bottrill). The latter mix is more engaging of a listen and with a portrait of being painted spatially sonics-wise, you can hear the little extra nuances that each player gives to each song to reel in the listener by not just giving them a note for note rendition. The set list is amazing- spanning throughout their career from 2003 to 2015...something for everyone. (Though it focuses around their Pagans In Vegas techno cartoony brilliant pop songs.) Some tracks are given an an acoustic or a capella treatment, but all in all there is etheteal power emanating from this one of a kind intellectual pop tech alternative rock synth band. The only criticisms I may have about this concert is that the audience aren't into the moment at times (as the band always) are...its not their fault- the audience was behaving as Canadian fans are reputed to be (in comparison to US and European audiences) at rock shows- which is to just stand there and cross your arms. (Montreal, Quebec crowds however get into it and boogie down etc). Also the audience, knowing it's being filmed, probably were intimidated by the cameras (trying not get in the way of 20 or more of them!) And the shooting crew. Also, just a nitpick from myself, who is way into visuals- the air in the arena was so clean and clear that it contributed to the interesting key-lit yet pseudo sterile white lighting backed by pensive dark blue. (They should have added a very slight low fog machine effects to diffuse lights and, any spiritual and otherwise energies from above the crowd to the back of the stage.) The multitude of cameras with varying lenses at their extremities offers a more daringingly dramatic and immersive view. It's great to see the drummer and his wares from multiple angles, same goes for the rest of the band. No one is well lit all the time, so sometimes being in the shadow/dark lands a mysterious vibe to the show. The editing favours the subtle yet solid command singer Emily Haines has of the fans. The setlist is as follows and if you're a fan, you'll know that this well travelled live band knows how to create a dynamic energetic flow throughout their shows: IOU HELP I'M ALIVE YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH TWILIGHT GALAXY CASCADES TOO BAD, SO SAD ARTIFICIAL NOCTURNE DREAMS SO REAL SICK MUSECOLLECT CALL OTHER SIDE BLACK SHEEP SYNTHETICA COMBAT BABY GOLD GUNS GIRLS THE SHADE CELEBRATE GIMME SYMPATHY BREATHING UNDERWATER

This is s great well anticipated concert in the band's history- played with rawness yet perfection. Where will they go from here? They always come up with fresh ways to color their sounds using synthetic and pedal effects...otherworldly stuff. The album Art Of Doubt is only part of the ongoings of one of Canada's premier and best bands- combining technology, poetry earthy pop rock with sensibilities that are commercial yet having independent youthful left field sonic eccentric spirit.