Living Colour

For some rock bands that get back together after an extended hiatus, it takes a while to knock off the rust and return to full strength. Not Living Colour. Despite not having launched a full-on tour since 1993, the band didn't skip a beat on their tour in support of 2003's Collideøscope, as evidenced by the in-concert release, Instant Live: Avalon -- Boston, MA, 10/17/04. Kicking things off with a simply ferocious reading of "Type" (which contains one of the more underrated rock guitar riffs of the '90s), the ten-track set mixes both Living Colour classics with newer tracks. Highlights include the Bad Brains-esque "Time's Up," the Funkadelic-like "Middle Man," as well as the group's best-known track (and breakthrough hit), "Cult of Personality." As evidenced by Instant Live: Avalon -- Boston, MA, 10/17/04, Living Colour is alive and well. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide