Cross - "Playgrounds" Review

Artist/ Band: Cross
Title: Playgrounds
Label: Progress Records/ Progrock Records
Year of Release: 2004
Offical Artist/ Band Link

The Review:

My first introduction to Cross was almost 10 years ago when I heard one of their songs “Heavenly” on a Cyclops sampler. It was one of the more beautiful songs I’ve heard at the time, still is from memory. Unfortunately, I lost track of the band until recently when I received their 8th album, Playgrounds from Progrock Records. After several listens I was reminded on how the band sounded. I must also point out that I had their “Secrets” album too and “Playgrounds” is a much better album from beginning to end. My only problem is they sounded much like they did back in the 90's but on the good side, they refined that sound to be solid and flawless. With that said, this is a keeper for fans of symphonic and neo prog fans alike.

The sound on Playgrounds is basically a very good combination of classic 70's symphonic and 90's neo along with some classic rock sounds here and there. The highlights for me are the three longer tracks. It showcases their musicianship and songwritting perfectly. Plus they’re very memorable and have a sense of familiarity when they first start. To me this is very comforting, while as I do like challenging music, I also like something within my safe zone.

While “Playgrounds” isn’t the most ground-breaking album, it is one of the more powerful non-metallic albums to be released in the new millennium. This is recommended for fans of the melodic based progressive rock as well as fans of the various bands that John Wetton has been involved with over the years.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on August 30th, 2005

Tracks:

1. Let The Play Begin...

2. Deja Vu

3. A New Beginning

4. The Battle of Thalyma

5. ...And Enter The Game

6. Fjarilshonung

7. Mesmering Enterprize

Reviewed Discography

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