Back in the first half of the 1990’s I was first introduced to Credo and their first album, Field Of Vision (1994). They didn’t do a follow-up until 2005’s Rhetoric, which was widely accepted by some progressive rock fans. I honestly haven’t heard that album, but watching them in a live setting here on their first live release will change that situation. The line-up seen is the same as on Rhetoric - Mark Colton (vocals), Mike Varty (keyboards), Tim Birrell (guitars), Jim Murdoch (bass) and Martin Meads (drums).

The title of this release is, “This Is What We Do: Live In Poland” and it was recorded at the Teatr Slaski in Katowice, Poland on October 13th 2008. Credo were the support act for Pendragon that night. Katowice appears to be the place for newer bands to play these days. Metal Mind Productions is the label that produces amazing DVD‘s that can rival the major labels, and surpass their releases in many ways.

This DVD renewed my interest in the band. For those nit-pickers, Credo is from the second wave of neo progressive rock. While not entirely original (what band is these days), they come across quite professional and enjoyable to watch. The DVD allows people like myself to see them in a live setting. Poland is just a little too far for many to travel. So a document like this, will suffice.

Credo, to me, takes the best elements of 80’s neo prog and updates it, first for the 90’s and secondly for today. They play music their way as the title “This Is What We Do” states so perfectly. They play a melodic side of the genre which makes it easier to distinguish sounds the musicians make. The vocals remind me of two people, Fish mostly on the newer material and Geoff Mann on the older material. Musically, they make me think of various UK prog bands of the 80’s, most notably Pallas and Pendragon. Of the DVDs I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing, this one stands out. Not to sound clichéd, but it will be returning many times to my player.

I don’t have a favorite track as the entire set has amazing songs but if I had to choose, it would be “Skin Trade,” “Seems Like Yesterday,” the new song, “Round And Round” (working title) and “A Kindness.”  In my humble opinion, “A Kindness” is on par with classics like IQ’s “The Enemy Smacks,” Pallas’ “The Ripper” and Twelfth Night’s “Creepshow.” From the bonus material, I enjoyed the recordings from 1992, especially “Sweet Scarlet Whisper.” This DVD has prompted me to seek out Credo’s studio albums. Sadly I misplaced Field Of Vision in the late 90’s.

If you’re a fan of melodic neo progressive, especially any of the bands I mentioned, then this is a must have release. You have a choice of two versions, DVD only (this is the version I received to review) and a limited edition with 2CDs from the same set.

Originally published at Prognaut.com

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.