EXPLOSIVE LIVE EXPERIENCE THAT’S BEST ON DVD

Not only is Underoath one of the most intense live acts on the road regardless of genre, but the hard rockers are among the most popular (no matter solo or on the “Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour”). Though catching the band in its inaugural audio/visual concert collection is a fitting snapshot for anyone wanting to relive or initially encounter the undertaking, it doesn’t quite match the explosiveness of the in-person experience.

For starters, the CD portion of Survive, Kaleidoscope is culled from several shows, which demonstrates the band’s searing consistency regardless of the city, but lacks the recorded continuity of a single date. However, it doesn’t taint the furious guitar thrashes of “In Regards To Myself” and the scream-filled proclamation “Young and Aspiring,” even if Underoath’s frenetic audience participation can’t be gleaned from a stereo session.

Thankfully, the accompanying DVD corrects many of those minor blunders, coming straight from the Electric Factory in Philadelphia and allowing members to come literally as close as the cameras allow. From the early “Returning Empty Handed” to the encore “Moving For the Sake of Motion,” the players’ unrelenting force is contagious, while the more melodic-minded will still find solace throughout the reflective “To Whom It May Concern.” It still won’t match the hysteria of actually being there, but at least this footage aptly provides the next closet opportunity.

–Andy Argyrakis