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Pink Cream 69 - Live In Karlsruhe

Label: Frontiers
Format: CD download
Released: 2009
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 7/10


Double disc live testament from long-running German hard rock contingent, celebrating two decades (Jan 24th of this year), can also be experienced on DVD. After a rousing ‘Children Of The Dawn’ kicks things off, settle into mid-tempo rockers surrounding David Readman’s (Voodoo Circle/ex-Adagio) vocals. Although he replaced Andi Deris (Helloween) in the mid-90s, these seem tailor-made for Readman, backing voices occasionally join in throughout the twenty-one selections (female accompaniment on the acoustic tinged ‘One Step Into Paradise’ ballad). A strong keyboard presence is evident in ‘The Hour Of Freedom’, while guitars get a workout during ‘I’m Not Afraid’.

 

Musically, PC69 are similar to 80s Americanized hard rock/pop metal, without the over-the-top sexuality and partying (despite the lame, now outgrown moniker). Fans of Europe, Bon Jovi, Tesla or Y&T would find much to like and as a live career retrospective (a trio of tunes comes off the ’89 eponymous debut put out by CBS), "Live In Kurlsruhe" hits the ‘big hits’ and best cuts. While people associate German "metal" and Deris, in particular, with high pitched notes, things are kept in check here, ‘Break The Silence’ being the odd stratospheric moment on disc #1. The up-tempo ‘Welcome The Night’ is nominated on the second half. While Readman talks to the German crowd in English, there are still a few rough edits, wondering what has been omitted.

Building to crescendo, the later half of the concert is more energetic. ‘Seas Of Madness’ is a little grittier than most, thanks to the guitar tones. ‘No Way Out’ is another lively number. ‘Keep Your Eye On The Twisted’ ends the proper set, complete with band introductions, but everyone returns for a five song encore (plus brief reggae covers of The Police's ‘So Lonely’ and Bob Marley's ‘No Woman No Cry’, with audience sing-along! Who says metal crowds aren't well versed?). An additional pair of live tracks (from Das Fest July 20, 2007), including a second version of ‘One Step Into Paradise’ and piano ‘Better Days’, closes things out.

 
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