LIVE

For fans of After Crying, this is a no-brainer. This is an excellent DVD which captures the band very well, both in their many sublime, delicate moments and also their more powerful, more bombastic passages. The concert is professionally shot, and the video and sound quality are both top-notch. The band plays with supreme confidence and it is evident that they thoroughly enjoy their own music. They cover material from almost all of their albums, thus providing a good cross-section of what they are capable of.

Speaking personally, I've been into the band for the past 10 years and it's just so good to finally see them in a live setting. For those who aren't familiar with After Crying, they are one of the more interesting prog bands of the modern era. There is a strong European classical influence in their music, lending it a dignity and beauty that is rare in rock. But they are also big fans of King Crimson and ELP, which shines through in many of parts of their music. But they are no clones. They are a very original band with their own unique personality and style of playing.

Their music is very eclectic. They can range from twenties ragtime piano duets to cello solos to ambient soundscapes to full-on symphonic work-outs. How many bands can quote "Easy Money" by King Crimson and Ravel's "Bolero" in the one song and make it sound so seamless and good? Their sophistication, refinement and lack of gratuitous showmanship makes them a pleasure to watch.

If I had to compare them to another band, it would have to be Isildurs Bane - albeit warmer and more beautiful. There are also strong hints of King Crimson, ELP and some of the Italian bands of the seventies. Most importantly, there is a genuine sense of mystery in their music, which, for me, is the hallmark of an inspired band. There is nothing generic about them at all. Their music reaches back into ancient times, expressing real depth and beauty.

My rating is 4.5 stars - 5 stars for After Crying fans and 4 stars for prog fans in general. It would make a great addition for any prog collection. Highly recommended!