Dream Theater

Live at Luna Park

Rating: 4 out of 5

Mangini and the prog kings slay Argentina

Capturing their 2012 two-night stand at Argentina’s Luna Park, this double-DVD set is the band’s first live release since the departure of Mike Portnoy and subsequent arrival of Mike Mangini.

In typical Dream Theater fashion it’s a comprehensive package, the centrepiece of which is the band’s two-and-a-half-hour set. The show finds Mangini in inspired form, limbs flailing and a wide grin fixed on his face from behind his ridiculously gargantuan Pearl rig. He also manages to play with a breathless intensity that really should not be possible on such a demanding gig. The sound, thanks to a mix from producer/engineer Richard Chycki, is also crystal clear.

Yes. questions can be raised over how much of what we hear is dipping its toe into self indulgence, but it’s difficult not to be impressed by the incredible musicianship. And hey, if you’re after a tune you can hum you probably wouldn’t be picking up this DVD anyway.

Among the DVD extras is a drum-heavy documentary which goes back to snippets of Mangini’s initial audition and discusses the impact that the drummer has had on his new band. it’s fair to say that their relationship remains a mutual love-in. There’s also plenty of behind-the-scenes snapshots of the band gearing up for the show, all of which rabid fans will lap up.

If all that sublime technical skill doesn’t draw you into parting with your cash, the sight of keyboard player Jordan Rudess preparing to hit the stage by using hair straighteners on his beard is worth the price alone. (RC)

Extras: Behind-the-scenes documentary, bonus tracks