REVIEW: The Cranberries – Live At The London II, 1994 

Recently, Island/UMe and The Cranberries have been reissuing and releasing expanded deluxe editions of the 90’s alt-pop band’s studio albums and have also reissued their rare debut EP as well.  Now they have issued a new, never-before released live album, Live At The London Astoria II, 1994, out now digitally, on CD and as a 2LP set in black or limited edition molten lava vinyl.     

The remastered live album captures a special set recorded at the legendary London venue to an intimate crowd during a time of transition.  The band was riding high on the success of their 1993 debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? and were about to release their breakthrough sophomore album, No Need To Argue.   The 15-track setlist is comprised of several fan favorites such as “Linger,” “Dreams” and Pretty” from their stunning debut. And, they debuted several songs that would be included on their sophomore album, including an exciting early version of their smash hit single, “Zombie”.  Also included are live versions of two non-album tracks, including “Liar,” which would show up later on the Empire Records Soundtrack in 1995, and the “Ode To My Family” B-side, “So Cold In Ireland.”  

Live At The London Astoria II, 1994 shows The Cranberries in rare form, just as they were on the verge of super-stardom.  The band sounds relaxed and at ease, like they are having just as much fun as the fans in attendance in such an intimate setting, after coming off a huge United States arena tour.  It is the perfect document for fans of the Irish quartet and yet another opportunity to hear the spectacular voice of the late Dolores O’Riordan.     —Justin Kreitzer for Icon Fetch