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In an attempt to satiate fans until the completion of
their much anticipated second studio release - "In A World,"
Cryptic Vision has captured and delivered their prog energy
in a live recording of their appearance at the 2005 Rites
of Spring Festival with "Live at ROSfest 2005." Only having
hear industry buzz about CV, I was poised for being impressed.
I was not disappointed.
"Live at ROSfest" is a great production for a live recording
as nuance, clarity and ambience are all present. I recently
learned that CV had only played two live gigs prior to the
ROSfest show - wow! Borrowing much of their material from
their debut CD, "Moments of Clarity," this CD pleases from
the start.***
The opening track is "Introspective/Contemplation/Grand
Design" and is as grandiose as the title implies. Like an
orchestra warming up in the pit before a concerto, CV creates
a swirling cacophony of sound and atmosphere and forges it
into a lucid theme. What is immediately noticeable is the
Rickenbacker bass sound growling from the speakers of Sam
Conable's rig. Slicing through the lush mix, his bottom end
carries it's own voice that demands acknowledgment. What also
struck me as an element that would set CV apart from their
contemporaries is their ability to nail live, complex vocal
harmonies with ease. Lead vocalist Todd Plant really shines
in the "Grand Design" section. A sneak peek from their upcoming
album is smartly added in -
"In A World" is an epic clocking in at just under sixteen
minutes, there is a fantastic instrumental section before
segueing into the main theme that is a simple and direct acoustic
piano and guitar with Plant's vocals taking center stage.
Most impressive is the powerhouse chorus, featuring crisp
and tight guitar work from Timothy Keese. Keyboardist John
Zahner flexes so lead synth muscle in the quirky, Latin infused
middle instrumental section.
The track, "Shock Value," from "Moments of Clarity,"
is a straightforward rocker that is a tad schmaltzy, but not
horrible. The weakest section on the CD comes in the form
of "Progledy", a medley of prog contemporaries; Spocks Beards,
Yes, Kansas, Dream Theatre, Genesis, and ELP. Although ambitious,
this medley really highlights why it's hard to pull off covers
unless you make them your own or rearrangement beyond recognition.
Things are OK in the Spock's Beard section and get really
"heavy metal" in the Yes section as "Your's Is No Disgrace"
is hammered out with heavy metal fire and the harmonies were
surprisingly off. The Genesis and ELP sections are weak in
recreating the essence of the original works.
The CD ends on a high note with their studio version of
"In A World." Well produced and pretty close to their live
offering, a nice prelude to what looks to a great album.***
I couldn't help but read all of the influences of CV -
Kansas, Genesis, Dream Theatre and that's all fine and dandy,
but I really don't hear that much of those influences. What
I hear is a band that have taken progressive music and made
it their own, introducing passion and excitement into what
can be a stuffy and inaccessible place.
I look forward to "In A World." More info: www.crypticvision.net
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