Veteran rockers Unwritten Law have been on the scene since the early 1990s, and during that time, have come to be known for their explosive live shows. Yet, until now, there was no official document to show for it. That changes with the release of Live and Lawless, the band's first live CD/DVD.
Recorded at the Key Club on Sunset Strip, and showcasing the band's punk, pop and rock chops, the Live and Lawless CD features 16 tracks covering the entire history of the band. To mark the occasion, the band brought back a handful of old tunes they rarely play anymore, such as "Mean Girl" (Listen/Download), "Babalon" (Listen/Download), and "Underground" (Listen/Download) - the latter of which opens the set.
The capacity crowd is into every note and singing every word. This energy is not lost on the band, who play as if they were a new band trying to win a record deal, rather than one that has been around as long as they have. "Shoulda Known Better" (Listen/Download) and "Oblivion" (Listen/Download) especially stand out in this electric set.
The included DVD is well filmed, and features a five-song acoustic set not included on the CD. Songs featured include "Before I Go," "Elva," "Shallow" and "She Says." The band typically does not perform acoustic sets and this was done as a special treat for fans of their acoustic EP and to give fans something extra for the live album.
In a nod to their old school fans, the band closes the show with the first song lead singer Scott Russo wrote for the band, "C.P.K." (Listen/Download). Throughout the set, Unwritten Law manages to keep one foot in the future while not forgetting their past.
Also featured on the DVD is an informative interview with all three band members where they take questions from fans, as well as an uncensored music video for the studio version of "Shoulda Known Better."
Unwritten Law has a loyal fan base, and as long as the band keeps delivering energetic sets such as the one in Live and Lawless, that isn't about to change anytime soon. The band is as hungry as ever and it shows. For fans that have seen Unwritten Law live, this CD/DVD is a nice souvenir. For fans that have never seen them live, this is a good place to start to see what the fuss is about.
Release date: September 30, 2008
