Full promo videos to their five singles are accompanied by a more artistic trilogy (‘Bullet Theory’, ‘Escape Artists Never Die’ and an acoustic version of ‘Juneau’), which were filmed specially for their download singles and this DVD, and feature hooded figures (as in the band’s cover art) enacting a set of short silent films to the music

The main feature is probably the ten-song live set from what must count as a fairly intimate London gig for the band these days. Slightly slow starting, it soon builds into a pretty intense show, with a sprinkling of old songs/b-sides and crowd interaction – combined when ‘big hit’ ‘Juneau’ is given a rendition more faithful to the original (‘Juno’ from the Between Order & Model EP). The pit goes wild to heavier moments, while the whole crowd sing along to the choruses, and it looks a good show.

The Tour Documentary isn’t particularly revealing, other than a flash of pubic hair while the band lark around back stage and gripe about the showers. Although the band talk about a couple of issues, from tour life to the ‘emo’ tag, there’s as much interview with fans as the band themselves. The highlights are probably glimpses of the band playing live/soundchecks, but with ten live songs elsewhere on the DVD who needs that...

The Chronology is disappointing, no story of the band, just a list of tours, releases and magazine covers. Finally the obligatory Discography – highlighting the band’s surprisingly many EPs/singles, but often featuring the same songs – and Credits give the band some plugging (not essential viewing). There are indications of some hidden content, but I can’t be bothered to find it.

One minor complaint has to be the menu, which is all very quaint and pretty, but rather slow and ponderous. Mind you, given it’s only the live section and videos that are likely to bear repeated viewing, maybe that’s not so bad. To their credit, the band are releasing the DVD in the reasonable ‘mid-price’ bracket, so I wouldn’t feel totally ripped off at the shortage of quality extras. It’ll keep their fans happy until (or for) Christmas I guess.

(3/5)

Release Date: 20 September 2004

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