Customer Reviews

Particle: Transformation Live

5 star:		(1)
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The first time I experienced this jam band I knew I was in love. Providing all the elements I desire. Progressive musicianship with enough experimentation to keep me on the edge of my seat. This is professionally produced yet raw giving you the experience of being in the audience. I would and have recommended this many. You will just have to see it and experience it for yourself.
---Anthony hanley

"Transformations" sizzles with Particle's signature techno meets jamband sound. The inclusion of songs with vocals, two guitar players and acoustic instruments suggest that the transformed band intends to move more towards the center of the jamband spectrum. This show introduced a new line-up as Particle replaced their original guitar player with Ben Combe and Scott Metzger. Here, the band plays a set that the audience at the Henry Fonda Theater won't soon forget. The show is packed with special guests. Robby Krieger helps the band to play an appreciated 'LA Woman.' It takes the band awhile to hit a winning streak as the second set is when things soar. Blackalicious helps to make Beck's 'E Pro' a phenomenal cover. 'W' is another highlight thanks to Joe Satriani. The band redefines climax with Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition.' During this encore, Joe Satriani, Robby Krieger, Ben Combe and Scott Metzger play a cookin' four way guitar duel. The audio and video is excellent. There are drawbacks. Critics have primarily criticized Particle for playing 'hippy rave' music. Much of the first set languishes in this two dimensional paradigm. While Steve Molitz shines most of the time, there are still those moments as in 'Eye of the Storm' when the keyboards squeal that signature 'electonica gone too far' sound. The final drawback may be the knowledge that the master goal went unrealized. Particle wanted to prove that it was still a viable force without the band's former guitar player. Nothing makes a louder statement than the release of a DVD and accompanying CD that documents a special guest packed maiden voyage. Metzger left the band only five months later and you won't see any of the special guests when Particle plays in your hometown. That written, this is still a great snap shot of unique time period for a successfully transformed Particle.

I just got done standing up, applauding a DVD concert for the first time in my life, and sending out emails to friends telling them I just saw the most awesome DVD concert ever! And then had to retract it all when the damn encore came on.

When you deliver a show as blistering hot as this one, and have Robbie Krieger (The Doors) and Joe Satriani onstage with you, KILLING it, and you give the spotlight over to ... ummm... sorry, but JUST SOME RAPPER... well, you're gonna take a hit.

Is he a good rapper? Sure, I s'pose. For flavoring on a song, perhaps. But to give away the moment to rap? Nopers. Not gonna fly.

If Particle ever gets a guitarist to stay, and drops this rap crossover crappola, they might just be the most important band we've seen in a while.

I've never been so excited, then disppointed. Hard to shake this off now. What to tell my jam loving friends...