Around 120 die-hards are here, most of whom know each other and many proudly sporting special “telephone” gig tee-shirts, assemble in the intimate venue nestling under the east stand of one of football’s great cathedrals. Some have travelled from the USA, Norway, The Netherlands, Spain, Jersey and Wales for the privilege of being part of this exclusive Lifesigns coterie. Steve Rothery’s presence also makes an appearance to add an extra frisson of excitement.

There’s a genuine camaraderie and mutual respect between the four which only benefits the music. Here, they seem completely relaxed in front of often unforgiving cameras and the wholly partisan crowd. The inclusion of backdrops depicting lighthouse, telephone boxes and the album cover’s now iconic church provides a visual dimension previously lacking in the live shows. Each player now assumes a distinct ‘character’ in the band. Poole’s the flamboyant, cavorting showman, knocking out thunderous bass lines and delicate fretwork in equal measure; Tsonev – now with his own crowd chant – the silent virtuoso letting his magnificent guitar runs do all his talking; Beedle in some kind of continuous transcendental state while cranking out the complex rhythms; and of course, Young as the genial, affable master of ceremonies.

Everybody’s having an absolute blast at Singalonga-Lifesigns. Just about everyone there knows all the words, apart from the few newbies present, and this creates a seamless connection between band and audience. The Live In London DVD will only further rubberstamp the overarching Lifesigns message that prog music can be both captivating and fun in equal measures.

Alison Henderson
PROG Magazine
26th January 2015