Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Recorded over three nights in 2011 at Sheffield's intimate Lantern Theatre, this one hour plus DVD captures Texan poet Peter Nevland in his natural habitat in front of a live audience as he rhythmically rhymes his way through a number of themes and personal recollections with trademark slam poet flare. Nevland plays on his uncanny physical and vocal resemblance to Shaggy from Scooby Doo in the early part of this release by keeping things light and he passionately spouts forth on frivolous matters such as being ginger ("Carrot Top") and having an inferior bike as a child ("Scrickawocka"). Having eased his audience in, Nevland starts tackling more serious topics such as Alzheimer's in "The Most Amazing Slam Poet", being a good role model to a fatherless boy ("Sometimes I Can See The Future") and befriending someone in the most unlikely circumstances ("George") - all of which benefit from Nevland's innate ability to deliver dazzling, dancing prose with thought-provoking sincerity. Christian themes are put across with power in the likes of "Holy" and "Love Complete" in a way that will be sure to challenge each listener's thinking before ending proceedings with some impressive vocal (and physical) dexterity in the nonsensical pieces "The Flobgob" and "The Song About Nothing". Three bonus performances are thrown into the bargain including the misleadingly titled but nonetheless brilliant "Do Not Trust Barack Obama".

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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