There’s nothing more surreal than getting comfortable and enjoy a DVD and then suddenly seeing yourself and your friends within the first 16 minutes. But that’s what you get if you’re caught on film drinking backstage with bands… ‘A Comprehensive Guide To Touring’ is a bit different from your average DVD, focusing less on the live aspect and more on the people behind the scenes and the band themselves. There’s the usual touring hi-jinx – substantially featuring their UK tour with Fightstar – and a smattering of live clips, but this is more a historical look at the band and how they cope in a van, making it more interesting than normal.
Armor For Sleep‘s ‘What To Do When You Are Dead’, for me, was a masterpiece and has turned out to be one of my most listened to CDs of the year. This DVD carries on the theme and takes an in-depth look at the band criss-crossing the US, and then to the UK, in support. Each band member gives his thoughts on the group, the album and life on the road, recalling many tour stories along the way. At way over an hour it’s also weighty and good value for money with plenty to watch without ever getting bored.
The only thing I could complain about is that the extra features on this DVD didn’t work (maybe a scratch, not sure!) and the added bonus of a live set would have made this unmissable. Still, it’s an essential purchase for fans and an interesting and well put together insight for everyone else.
www.armorforsleep.com
Equal Vision
Paul