Cross: Da Capo

Cross is the brainchild Hansi Cross, leader and owner of the excellent Progress Records label. The band has been around for a number of years and have released ten full length albums, the latest being Da Capo, a reworking of tunes originally written and recorded between 1990 and 1993.

In the band are Hansi Cross (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Thomas Christensen (basses, Taurus) and Tomas Hjort (drums, percussion) along with guest Mats Bender (keyboards).

I am only a little familiar with the band's music having heard only the Playgrounds album released in 2004 but I can tell you if you liked that album you will probably enjoy this one even more.

The album is bookended by the two longest tracks. Our journey begins with the near fourteen minute epic "Fire". This is just a glorious slice of classic symphonic prog with soaring melodic guitar, serene lead vocals and wonderful synth and keys. The band mixes tranquil keyboard sections and heavier guitar parts with ease, making for a very smoothly flowing piece of music. Special mention must be made of Hansi's guitar work. His tone, both rhythmically and solo is a joy to listen and reminds me of David Gilmour. The last track "Courage" clocks in at just over fourteen minutes and is another symphonic delight with big keyboard rhythms and scrumptious guitar work. This one has an overall darker feel. The rest of the tracks are just as worthy with not a dud in the bunch.

Da Capo is so melodic and well played I cannot imagine how this wouldn't appeal to a large prog audience. While this won't hit you over the head with heaviness, the majestic and soaring nature of it is pure heavenly bliss.

Track Listing:
1. Fire (13:55)
2. Dream Reality (9:02)
3. Changing (1:36)
4. Visions (7:07)
5. Courage (14:21)

Added: January 1st 2015
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 1941
Language: english

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