| CD REVIEW Within Temptation |
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Band: Within Temptation Of course… It was sort of predictable, but there it was: a full-acoustic performance, and, in conclusion to it, the album… Sharon den Adel (v), Robert Westerholt (g), Mike Coolen (d), Jeroen van Veen (b), Martijn Spierenburg (k) and Ruud Jolie (g) registered this performance in November 2008 at Muziekcentrum Frits Philips in Eindhoven, Holland, with assistance of the Red Limo String Quartet (cello & violin) during a mainly acoustic set, in front of a sweet audience, nicely clapping their hands after each song. Yes, I try not to sound too cynical… Anyway, the set started, after a nice intro, with “Stand My Ground”, one of the highlights in Within Temptation’s history, and I need to admit: Sharon’s voice is super! In the beginning of this band’s existence I couldn’t hear her singing for longer than five seconds, yet the evolution she underwent is unique! And this goes for the complete performance. Sharon never fails, she knows how to control het vocal chords and she does have a wide timbre. Nice to listen at. Musically, however, it’s something different, because of its predictability and, especially, that fake sweetness, that pathetic ‘caress-me’-approach. Yet again, it’s something personal, because as a matter of fact the whole gets performed with excellence and crafts(wo)manship! Well-known tracks pass by, like “Memories”, “The Cross”, “All I Need” and “Frozen”, so I guess the audience was enjoying it with orgiastic pleasure???!!! The (virtual) duet with former The Gathering/ Agua de Annique-singer Anneke van Giersbergen might be one of the highlights, but it is sad Anneke wasn’t there, because she might be the Netherlands’ best female singer ever (?)… And ‘joepie’, but Keith C. wasn’t there either ;o) An Acoustic Night … also contains a bonus track, “Utopia”, featuring Chris Jones, the newest single / clip by Within Temptation – FYI. --/100 Ivan Tibos. |