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The four gentlemen from Los Angeles, California definitely do not commit themselves to a specific style. Their music is "filled with psychedelic garage beats, straight soul stomps and magic voodoo sound" (Blue Rhythm, Summer 2004) and with "wicked swamp funk, heated Rhythm & Blues, souly shuffles or rattling Boogie" (Rolling Stone Germany, May 2004). In spring 2004, they toured Europe and appeared at the Crossroads Festival from the famous Rockpalast (WDR TV). There everybody could see for oneself that the Imperial Crowns are a terrific live band. The show was recorded on March 23rd, 2004 in Bonn, Germany. The triumphant procession of the Imperial Crowns continues!

A band I'd not previously heard of (or heard) before sitting down to review this DVD, the Imperial Crowns are definitely unlike any other band I've heard or seen. With a lead singer who resembles Scott Weiland's older, rougher uncle and a bass player who could be Eugene Levy's twin brother, these guys kick out a brand of hyperkinetic blues/funk that is vibrant and very much alive.

A really well-shot and edited concernt performance is presented here, with high production values, great interaction between the band and the audience and a really well-constructed DVD. Nice job all around and a stand-out concert to enjoy in the comforts of your own home.

Video: How's it look?
Shot on video in a full-screen (1.33:1) ratio, the picture quality of this performance is really good. Strong detail and colouring combine with great lighting to deliver a solid performance that uses multipel camera angles to cut together into a very well done edit.

Audio: How's it sound?
The Dolby Digital 5.1 surround mix is quite good, with good seperation between the vocals and the music and some good use of surrounds for the crowd shots & ambiance.

Extras: What all's on the DVD?

• interview with lead singer
• backstage footage

Closing Thoughts
Entertaining modern take on the blues + some nice extras = hyper and engaging live performance from a talented band