 LANA
LANE
Return to Japan
Frontiers Records 2004
www.lanalane.com
Read the Lana Lane interview
What's the 4-1-1?
Japan is where progressive rock artist Lana Lane garnered the majority of
her success, so it only makes sense that she cut her latest live album
where it’s most desired.
Genre
Prog-rock / prog-metal / symphonic hard rock
The Good
This two-disc release is split into two parts. Disc 1 features a live performance
from Lana Lane's return to Japan. The first four tracks a various intros
strung into one. Things kick off with dark chugga-chugga riffs that hint
something frightening is around the corner on "Esher's Staircase".
Could this be the stairway to heaven? Besides having a catchy chorus, "The
Beast Within You" displays Lana's warm and melodic vocals over some
haunting chamber music. "Queen of the Ocean" is a powerful and
epic tale set to a regal drumbeat. "Project Shangri-La" picks
up the tempo with a galloping guitar pace. This one is heavy on brass sounding
synths. "Evolution Revolution" is a multi-tempoed song that explores
how man came to be. It has some wicked guitar licks that are mimicked by
keys. "Night Falls" has more a heavy metal metal feel to it with
its heavy riffs. The synths make sure the track doesn’t stray too
far from prog-rock. Disc one concludes with two synth heavy instrumentals, "Astrology
Prelude" and "Redemption Part II".
Disc two features and unplugged performance with Lana and Erik. Unlike typical
unplugged performances that are done on acoustics, this one is just keyboards
and vocals. "Take a Breath" is highlighted by clean piano tones
and commanding melodic vocals. "Stardust" is a somber tender ballad,
while "Symphony of Angels" is a power ballad of sorts. On "Let
Heaven In", the keyboards set up a nice marching like rhythm. By the
time this ballad rolls around you'll really start to appreciate Lana's vocals
on her ballads. Three live covers are featured on this disc as well. Aerosmith's "Dream
On" is just as emotional as the original. King Crimson's "In the
Court of the Crimson King" is true to the original, but Lane and Co.
adds their own stylings to it. There are no words for Lana's prog-rock version
of Rainbow's "Long Live Rock N' Roll. It's different, to say the least.
The Bad
Lana and Erik were not satisfied with the guitarist's live performance so
they replaced his parts in the studio with another guitarist. At least
they admit to it. Not much crowd noise for a live disc. It makes you wonder
how much more was touched up.
The Verdict
When it comes to most prog-rock you know what you’re getting musically;
songs about mystery, the unknown, the supernatural, and Dudgeon and Dragon's
stuff. That pretty much sums up Lana Lane. The 'live' performances are flawless,
but you know the deal with live releases. Return to Japan is a good sampling
of the group career that's sure to please longtime fans (the unplugged performances
specifically) as well as newcomers.
Did you know?
Concord, California native Lana Lane lists her age as “Younger than
Madonna but older than Alanis Morissette”.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Lana Lane - Lady Macbeth
--George Dionne
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