DAVID CROSS BAND – Sign Of The Crow (2016)
“Sign Of The Crow” is the new DAVID CROSS BAND album, the band created by electric violinist David Cross famous for being integral part of King Crimson during their most creative period. I never have been a big Crimson fan, but Cross was in the band in the same period my loved John Wetton did, so well worth a listen I thought.
I had some preconceived ideas as to what to expect but let me say I soon had to put them to one side.
Yeah, I was expecting a ‘dark’ stuff ala King Crimson, but let me tell you “Sign Of The Crow” is more closer to hard rock / melodic classic rock categories, rather than prog or fusion as such and by far.
Opening track “Starfall” is a terrific introduction and a wonderful slice of almost classic rock. I was overwhelmed at the musicianship on this track and indeed the others to follow. Mr. Cross has unearthed a terrific vocalist in the form of Jinian Wilde, whose vocal range is extraordinary.
The title track “Sign of the Crow” is more of the same but venturing into a heavier progressive rock jam with Jinian’s vocals chipping in at times throughout. “Crowd Surfing” is again a fast paced prog rock piece with even some melodic rock passages highlighting the talents of the band.
“The Pool” is a breathtaking ballad type offering. Paul Clark’s guitar has to be seen to be heard, wonderfully understated. David Cross violin (which mostly sounds like electric guitar) saunters over the top backed up by a solid foundation laid down by Mick Paul’s bass and the always awesome drumming of Craig Blundell (Pendragon, Frost*, Lonely Robot).
The main man gets to showcase his wonderful violin musicianship on the instrumental “Raintwist”, a spooky, slightly unnerving but enjoyable musical interlude. “Spiderboy” shakes us back to life and is a real eclectic piece, venturing off in all sorts of directions before heading back into a more straight forward progressive rock feel.
The following piece “Mumbo Jumbo” is a little more difficult to describe but equally bewitching, incorporating elements of classic rock, melodic prog and heavy rock.
The penultimate track “Water on the Flame” is again another superb instrumental that had me drifting off, almost out of myself at times. A splendid melodious piece to reflect on.
“Rain Rain” is a delightful track to end on, showcasing all the elements of this wonderful band, superb vocals, dramatic interludes and above all wonderful musicianship.
The David Cross Band is a captivating combo, daring, highly suited as an ensemble adding up for multiple creativeness by all members. A strange kind of clash which acts as an incentive for all kind of focuses and directions, blending hard rocking guitars with the more acoustic oriented Cross, thus adding a meltdown of moods, which counterpoint constantly and excitingly.
On “Sign Of The Crow” the band sounds terrific, and a mention must go out to Alex Hall whose excellent guest keyboard skills were shared on a few of the tracks and to Richard Palmer-James, one time King Crimson lyricist who provides something to chew.
This is a cracking album with wonderful lyrics, musicianship and outstanding vocals and it could have so easily passed me by. Don’t let it pass you, it’s a truly spellbinding record.
Strongly Recommended.
1 – Starfall
2 – Sign of the Crow
3 – Crowd Surfing
4 – The Pool
5 – Raintwist
6 – Spiderboy
7 – Mumbo Jumbo
8 – Water on the Flame
9 – Rain Rain
Jinian Wilde – Vocals
David Cross (King Crimson, Radius) – Violin, Keyboards
Paul Clark (Credo) – Guitar, Keyboards
Mick Paul – Bass, Keyboards
Craig Blundell (Pendragon, Frost*, Lonely Robot) – Drums
with:
Alex Hall (Grails) – Keyboards (2,3,4)
BUY IT !
www.burningshed.com/store/davidcross/product/329/7704/
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