I’ve seen a lot of live DVDs over the years and only 3 have really resonated with me. AFI: I Heard A Voice (would you expect less from me?) The Cure: Trilogy and Ramones: It’s Alive. Typically the live DVD’s I have seen are just not very good. Mediocre camera work, mediocre sound quality and waaaaaaaaaaaay too many shots of the crowd. I look at the crowd as little as possible when I go to a concert, why do I want to see shots of a bunch of people starring at the stage for 1/2 a DVD? I’m watching this thing for the band… not the crowd. However, this isn’t the case with Puscifer’s What Is…, the fact that this concert / mockumentary kept the focus on the band the whole time was enough of a reason for me to rocket What Is… into the top 3. The quality and the storytelling / extras is what firmly placed it into #1. Sorry Cure, AFI and Ramones, this is just that good.
Part 1 of What Is… is a mocumentary about Puscifer and sets up the characters you’re going to see later in the live concert. The mockumentary is also a chance for frontman and group mastermind Maynard James Keenan to flex his acting and comedy skills which are far more amusing than I thought they would be, though he shouldn’t quite his day jobs. He’s a man of many talents, but I’m not so sure he’s ready to take on a leading role in a summer blockbuster just yet. Besides, he’s got three bands and a vineyard to watch after.
The live DVD starts out with Mr. Keenan setting the mood for the show which was surprising and delightful. He pontificates upon art and the condition of humanity all the while setting up what he calls his “modern hippie drum circle”, except without any real hippies because he can’t stand patchouli (neither can I). After the stage is set up, his co-stars / the band comes out to complete his hippie drum circle and one of the most visually stunning shows I have ever seen commences.
The whole thing is beautifully shot and masterfully executed. The comical insertions of Middle America stereotypes bring a humorous, but poignant element to the show. The juxtaposition of comical forehead slapping stupidity against the very heavy and melodic songs keep things light and interesting while laying out a thoughtful commentary on pervasive social and political attitudes. The music was amazing and I have a new found appreciation for Puscifer. I love Tool and I love APC, but I’ve never been able to really get into Puscifer. I just didn’t get it, but now I do… and I love it.
Overall I have no complaints or faults with it. It’s shot well, it’s edited well, the audio is fantastic and the performance by the band was stellar. If you’re a Maynard fan you definitely need to check this out!
Rating: 5/5