"Live

V

Radioactive Records This is Live’s 5th studio release, hence the title ‘V’, Roman numeral 5. Overall a heavier and slightly more aggressive record than their previous effort, 1999’s ‘The Distance To Here’ (definitely still my personal favourite), ‘V’ is musically more in the vein of ‘Throwing Copper’ (1994) or ‘Secret Samadhi’ (1997). The typical Live convention of beginning songs softly, almost ballad-like, then suddenly exploding into full-blown rock mode is evident in the steamy Deep Enough, People Like You, Forever May Not Be Long Enough and Flow (featuring Adam Duritz from the Counting Crows). Simple Creed, featuring British rapper Tricky, and OK? are straightforward rockers start to finish. Despite being a generally heavier album than previous releases, ‘V’ still showcases Live’s amazing ability to create stirring, rich and unforgettable melodies. This talent is perfectly exemplified by the exquisite ballad Overcome, which has been used as an anthem for victims of the US terrorist attacks. Lyrically, while ‘V’ contains a little more cussing, Ed Kowalczyk has not strayed from his staple themes of hope, love and spirituality. Contrasted to the abstract and intriguing ‘Secret Samadhi’, ‘V’ is probably Live’s most “comprehensible” collection of songs lyric-wise. Kowalczyk’s predominantly falsetto vocal performance on several songs is handled quite successfully, as are his rap attempts in OK? and Like a Soldier. A thoroughly enjoyable album to crank up and rock along with, maybe even shed a few tears during Overcome and Call Me a Fool. Look out for the bonus secret track - a remix of Deep Enough - plus the enhanced CD-ROM component, the video-clip for Simple Creed.