CROSSROAD

In the Prog Archives biography I read that this is a Russian four piece band, founded in 2000 in the city Kursk. Well, if this band had made their album in the Cold War era, I am sure the USSR government had sent them away to Siberia because of 'obviously CIA sponsored activities', what an incredibly USA sounding prog this, somewhere between Spock's Beard and Dream Theater! But seriously, I am glad that I got the possibility to listen to this new Russian band because Little Tragedies, Infront, Lost World and Aviva proove that the Russian progrock scene is very prolific and delivers lots of outstanding prog, their albums are often to be found inside my CD player the recent weeks.

Apple Pie sounds very professional, modern, dynamic and varied on their debut CD entitled Crossroads. The title points at the fact that their music is a blend of several styles. Well the first track already showcases their eclectic and dynamic approach: first a spacey intro with a lush synthesizer sound, then twanging guitars and dreamy vocals, followed by compelling bombastic prog with propulsive guitar riffs and fiery guitar runs, culminating in a prog metal atmosphere featuring spectacular keyboards and finally howling guitar, supported by Hammond organ waves and powerful and adventurous drums, what an exciting prog! The other ten compositions also deliver alternating and dynamic prog: sensational synthesizer flights and blistering guitar, heavy Hammond waves and a sensation break with sumptuous keyboards and biting guitar in Crossroad, a swinging 'big band sound' (captivating blend of brass and fiery guitar), inspired vocals and a bluesy guitar solo in Temptation, a swirling climate with heavy guitar, a bluesy Hammond solo and raw wah- wah drenched guitar in Escape, acoustic rhythm guitar with gospel-like singing in Still Got My Faith In You, wonderful sparkling piano and acoustic guitar and great work on keyboards, guitar and saxophone in the alternating Nothing Comes Everything and tasteful interplay between keyboards and guitar and a final part with howling guitar in Final. Who dare to say that the current prog is boring or not adventurous, what a splendid and exciting new prog!

I disagree with the category Neo-Progressive, to me this sounds as a band that scouts the borders between symphonic prog and prog metal, I would suggest to name it New Heavy Progressive, like Riverside, Rush and Ayreon. Highly recommended and a big hand for Apple Pie!