Guitar freaks have a new reason to rejoice, because let me tell you folks, I've found THE new band for you.....THE TRAVIS LARSON BAND, and they are simply amazing. Comprised of guitarist Travis Larson, bassist Jennifer Young, and drummer Dale Moon, this band has all the chops to blazing technique to send all you wannabe shredders back to the woodshed, but what makes them stand so far apart from their peers is the SONGS. At times reminiscent of Steve Morse with a touch of JOE SATRIANI-esque melody, this band writes songs that not only flow very well together, but leave plenty of room for tight interplay. Larson, who I will say sounds a lot like STEVE MORSE at times, is simply flawless and never resorts to silly grandstanding to display his technical abilities. Both Larson and Young are tremendous instrumentalists and Moon's tight, in the pocket drumming shines all over this DVD.

What makes this DVD so enjoyable is the fact that you get a band caught on tape doing what they do best - PLAYING. No silly fade ins, no sophomoric video "effects", no silly camera work, just simple, well structured footage which focuses on all the right things, at all the right times. Each member is given equal billing, the song list is lengthy with plenty of solos going around and when they lock into a groove - watch out.

I will note that my only wish was for some extra bonus features (i.e. backstage footage, rig-details, outtakes, etc), but considering this band produced, financed and edited this DVD themselves, they've done a better job than most 'pro' budget DVD concert films.

I will also note that you should definitely check out this band's two CD's - Travis Larson Band & Suspension, both excellent CD's with top notch songwriting and superb musicianship. Finally, someone new to watch out for.

 

By Marc