Detailed Reviews [Transport Aerian - 2024 - "Live in Ghent"]

Prolusion. Belgian band Transport Aerian started out as the solo vehicle for composer and musician Hamlet, and for the past couple of decades this is a project that has been in constant development and motion as a recording unit as well as establishing a presence in the live scene. So far a total of 6 studio albums and two live albums have been released by the band. "Live in Ghent" is the most recent of the latter, and was released through US label Melodic Revolution Records in the spring of 2024.

Analysis. When I was sent the digital promo of this live production, I described the landscapes explored here as a bit more of a straight forward take on the kind of landscapes explored by a band such as Porcupine Tree. After a bit of a closer examination this time around I do believe that that description still holds fairly true. There are a few similarities here, in the manner that many of the songs ebb and flow between gentler phases and more powerful escapades, alongside the sometime use of psychedelic elements. In this case with these being a bit more of a minor and subtle presence. The more central role of the piano as an instrument is an element I took note of when I gave this album its first listen, and when delving deeper into this production this time around I did find myself being more fascinated with the compositions revolving around a generally gentler expression in terms of the role the piano plays in those. Backed by a suitably solid rhythm section and more careful guitar displays, the contrasting yet also complementing role the piano plays in these relatively more careful songs adds a rather intriguing tension to those landscapes. At least as I experience them. Otherwise I note that the token violin presence, reproduced by way of backing tapes live, most certainly adds an additional dimension to the songs where that instrument has a role to play. Atmospheric laden passages that in many songs have recurring surges into a more heavy set and majestic display is the order of the day outside of those compositions revolving more exclusively around more tender but tension-filled landscapes, and the band makes a good job out of exploring these landscapes also in this live setting. With many fine and engaging moments to enjoy throughout this performance. If there is an ever so slight divisive feature to this band, the lead vocals will need to be mentioned. Vocalist and band leader Hamlet has a very distinct voice, and like everything that is on the distinct side of matters this will be a little bit of a hit or a miss factor depending on subjective taste. It is a feature that does add a more defined personality to this material, hence this isn't a negative for the album as such, but an element that to a greater extent than many others will speak towards the subjective taste of the listener.

Conclusion. On this live album, Belgian band Transport Aerian showcase their diverse and accessible variety of contemporary progressive rock in an ample manner, and while prerecorded contributions are a part of this performance they do not come across as detrimental to the live experience. This is an album that comes across as a suitable introduction to the band for people not already familiar with them, as well as a suitably well made live album for existing fans to enjoy.

Progmessor: January 2025
The Rating Room