wet_2013_04

» W.E.T. 2013 05 25

Reviewed by Mozzy
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City: Gävle, Sweden
Venue: Estraden
Date: 25 May 2013
Set length: 110 min

W.E.T.

When one of the sensations of melodic hard rock/AOR in recent years, super group W.E.T., gave a rare concert - in Gävle, Sweden - attending was a must for yours truly. Unfortunately, poor advertising and the fact that it clashed with Bon Jovi's stadium concert in Stockholm, led to a modest turn-out. The band don't seem to mind, though, kicking off with the two first tracks from the latest , superb album Rise Up. The two high-quality numbers, Walk Away and Learn To Live Again, instantly create a nice atmosphere. The most competent and experienced band, led by one of the scene's greatest frontmen, Jeff Scott Soto, also work hard to deliver an entertaining show.

Despite having played together live just a few times, it's apparent that the members have a good chemistry between them and enjoy what they're doing. Soto's effort needs even more praise since he is suffering from some serious jet-lag, something he confesses to the audience. "This is not the usual Jeff Scott Soto", the cheerful vocalist states. It's true that he does not sound as amazing as usual, but with his immense capacity, it's still enjoyable to hear him sing even if he's not 100 percent in shape. And his energy onstage is impressive given the conditions.

It has to be said that the low number of people, gathered in a rather big hall too, has a negative effect on the overall experience. Still, there is a great asmosphere among those present, with loud singalongs and cheering. But what's the central theme tonight is the songs. Selected from both W.E.T. albums, every single track is pure bliss; a masterclass in the genre of melodic hard rock and AOR.

We are served magnificent melodies and choruses throughout the set. And apart from the W.E.T. material, we get treats like Eclipse's Bleed And Scream, where Erik Mårtensson get his chance to shine, displaying a great voice too, as well as the Talisman classics I'll Be Waiting (which is accompanied a a passionate singalong) and Mysterious (This Time It's Serious). All in all, there is no doubt that those who chose to attend this gig left very satisfied.

Performance: 7,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The sky-high standard of the songs
Worst: The low turn-out

Setlist:
Walk Away
Learn To Live Again
Invincible
I'll Be There
Rise Up
Bleed And Scream
Bad Boy
Still Unbroken
Broken Wings
I'll Be Waiting
If I Fall
Comes Down Like Rain
Brothers In Arms
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Mysterious (This Time It's Serious)
One Love