Search - Almost Beautiful on DVD

A fascinating and entertaining insight

Gene Trosper | Wildomar, California | 02/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Last Dance is a hardworking and increasingly successful gothic/dark alternative band from Orange County, California. In their DVD documentary "Almost Beautiful" we witness firsthand the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into this band. Most people are aware that major musical acts have an entourage to help with the logistics of touring, but what about the smaller acts? Almost Beautiful allows us to see the band undertaking EVERYTHING, from loading up their van (which is an art form in itself), planning the itinerary, driving from gig to gig, setting up their own equipment and basically handling every detail that goes into planning and executing a successful tour. Music takes not just talent, but hard work. The Last Dance proves time and time again they have a work ethic we should all strive toward.

Talent? The band has it in spades. We get to enjoy their special style of gothic rock in numerous performance clips and witness the band during a most interesting recording session in a church! Vocalist Jeff Diehm has an energy and audience rapport than many frontmen (and women!) only strive to attain. he expresses humor and a genuine love for the audience and performing, which is refreshing in this day and age of jaded performers who merely go through the motions. Check out their Puerto Rico performance to see what I mean!

Most touching is the segment that focuses on their drummer Ivan Dominguez, who sadly passed on. Their expressions of love and brotherhood for Ivan is clearly apparent and very heart wrenching.

If you like gothic music, this is essential viewing. If you want a textbook study in how musicians manage to survive in this dog-eat-dog world of the modern music industry, you must not pass this up. I have watched it three times the first week after receiving it. It's a fascinating watch and I highly recommend it."