CROSSROAD
Apple Pie
•Neo-Prog
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Excellent addition to any Write a review |
Studio Album, released in 2007 Songs / Tracks Listing 1. a) Overture - Vartan Mkhitaryan / lead & backing vocals, guitars, percussion MALS 2007 Thanks to Cygnus X-2 for the additionand to ProgLucky for the last updates Edit this entry |
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APPLE PIE Crossroad ratings distribution
(113 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(22%)
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(40%)
Good, but non-essential (35%)
Collectors/fans only (3%)
Poor. Only for completionists (0%)
APPLE PIE Crossroad reviews
Showing all collaborators reviews and last reviews preview | Show all reviews/ratings
Collaborators/Experts Reviews
PROG REVIEWER

Another new gem on Russian Prog-rock scene, APPLE PIE plays very SPOCK'S BEARDian type of Prog Rock, both complex and accessible, from radio-ballads ("Still got my Faith in You") and funky stuff (the one I kinda a bit dislike here - sorry guys - "Temptation") to Symphonic Heavy Prog epics ("Escape", "Final"). CROSSROAD is APPLE PIE's SFAM - a concept story about doubts and choises, filled with wonderful melodies (Russia seems to be a birthplace of a melody as a phenomenon ;) ), tight musicianship, sincere lyrics and rather sane approach. Don't get me wrong - I like the weird stuff sometimes, but it's more enjoyable for me to spin a CD like this one instead of pushing down my throat another noisy pseudo-masterpiece ;)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for Melodic Prog/Symphonic Prog/Neo Prog/Heavy Prog fans and others who interested. Looking forward to experience something new!
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Symphonic Prog Specialist

The album crosses (As the name implies) from light Symphonic to Neo Prog, a bit of Hard Rock plus, some Funk and cute ballads, so I find "Crossroads" uneven, and missing some energy, they seem solid through extended passages but a few tracks ruin a good percentage of their achievements.
Most of the songs are obviously inspired in SPOCK'S BEARD but not enough to be called clones, because there's originality and freshness in the sound.
The main problem relies in a couple of weak tracks like "Temptation" which sounds as a failed James Brown impersonation and the two cute but extremely naïve ballads "Sunrise" and "Nothing" the last one makes me remember to a weaker version of PENDRAGON.
Also weak but already better is "Escape", which sounds like a very light Neo Prog track with some reminiscences of KING CRIMSON but without the brilliance. The rest of the songs are very solid and the vocals are good but not outstanding.
No way it's an essential masterpiece of Progressive Rock but if it wasn't for this tracks and mainly because "Temptation" I would had taken the chance for 4 stars, sadly this song ruins a good part of the many valuable moments of the record.
Three solid stars for an album which is over the average, and a lot of hope for the next release of a band that I'm sure will be much better if they decide what path and style to make their own trademark instead of wandering through different sounds and influences.
If you are able to buy it don't hesitate, despite the weaker tracks it's worth now and almost sure it will be more valuable as a collection item when they release more albums, but please stp copmparing them with other bands, they need an own personality and not to be known as SPOCK'S BEARD clones which is not the case.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR PSIKE Team & Band Submissions

Nice debut from another new russian band - it seems this country actually is revealing a never ending stream of new progressive bands. 'Crossroad' is crossover consisting of 10 songs which were recorded in 2006. Neo Prog, Symphonic, Prog Related and Hardrock with a mix of ballads and rocking parts. I would say only half of the production really can be categorized as Prog. The band collects many ingredients from bands like SPOCK'S BEARD, TOTO, DREAM THEATER for example. This is skillful without a doubt.
The Beginning, Crossroad and Nothing Comes Everything are very convincing tracks in my opinion. The only weak point is: this Apple Pie tastes not very unique yet. The band sounds very british (respectively american) - english vocals are perfect. What I'm missing is the special russian note.
With all my respect for the musicians I hope they are getting a more independent profile for the future.
PROG REVIEWER

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!
PROG REVIEWER

Do not confound with Magic Pie, althought they share a taste for Spock's beard work (geez). But with Apple Pie, you have to pour a lot of Images and Words, the mythical Dream Theater album that started a new fangled way in the 90's...sigh.
Sigh, indeed...
Being a (medium) fan of the Beard and Dream Theater, does having this album is worthwhile? At first, I thought:" What a convienent way, I'll save time by not listening to the old records, since those two are mixed up!". In case you're not familiar with sarcasim, I'm kidding here. You know me, when it comes to giving a tribute to personnal heroes, I keep a keen eye because soooo many albums just reeked. It's just so boring (and disappointing) to hear a band with lots of musical potential that just regurgitates their influences. Too bad Apple Pie falls in that category because I read some really good stuff about them.
I guess that if listening to a copy of 2 prog legends don't bother you too much, this album has lots of good hooks, tasty keyboard solos and a fairly good drummer. And also, I give credit to those courageous Russians that sings without the single trace of an accent!
It's not that is bad, but once again a decent album that fails to bring a fresh sound.
PROG REVIEWER

I donīt really think Apple Pie is so much like Spockīs Beard. I was nver a big fan of this american band and I really like Apple Pie much more. That said I must point out that this CD is not totally smooth, a couple of songs spoil the overall sound. Temptation is too much a funk pastiche that is clearly out of place here, while the gospel Still Got My Faith On You laois any real spirit. If they had left out those two tracks this would be a 5 star rating, since the other tracks are absolutely winners. But donīt worry: both tunes are only a little over 8 minute in total, in an album that has 76 minutes of music.
The overall production is very good and the band members are very skilled. There are some great vocals harmonies here and there that I hope they explore more in the next releases. Iīm looking forward to hear more from Apple Pie. Recommended for any prog fan.
PROG REVIEWER

What's it like ? Well it's real neo prog with a touch of symphonic. The vocalist has a slightly mellow voice but absolutely not in an annoying way, it sounds really pleasant. The compositions are simply fantastic. These guys know how to write songs, perfect balance between vocals and all the instruments. It's all very melodic and that's the most important to me. (I suddenly realize there are a few songs with religious lyrics. Not hugely significant maybe but I didn't notice at first.)
This album contains at least 6 (!) terrific songs but the one that really stands out from those is Sunrise, an unbelievable superb track, that is really neo prog at its best to me. Super melodic with great guitar parts and an incredible brilliant composition. The other jewel is Final which is a grand finale a masterpiece deserves. Also Nothing comes everything, Escape and Crossroad are awesome songs. Well if that isn't enough for 5 stars I give up. Looking forward to the successor !
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator

The music is very inspired by Spockīs Beard and Dream Theater ( Scenes From a Memory, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence and there are numerous examples throughout the album where I think I have heard the riffs before. A song like Nothing is bit too close to Dream Theaterīs Another Day with the sax solo in the end and Temptation with itīs brass arrangement smells a bit too much of the James Labrie fronted Mullmuzzlerīs Beelzebubba song from the Keep It to Yourself album. Itīs not a complete ripp-off though. The music is very well played and composed and that saves this from being a bad clone experience. I have to mention that Crossroads is a concept story and Iīm sorry to say that itīs a really pathetic seaching for the meaning in life/ praise God like story and Iīm sick to my stomach whenever I listen to the lyrics. Still got my Faith in You is the worst example here with the gospel choir in the background.
The musicians are very well playing and itīs one of the most enjoyable things about Apple Pie. They are really good musicians.
The production is very good even though I miss the bass in the soundscape sometimes.
One of the previous reviewers nailed it very good when he wrote Images and Beards as a headline to his review. If Apple Pie wants more than 3 star ratings for making good compositions and playing them with conviction they need to make original music and keep away from the most obvious influences. I was even considering a 2 star rating because this is really not more than a good clone band, but on the other hand they are really good so Iīll go for a small 3 star rating.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator

The introduction of opening track "1. a) Overture b) Once Upon a Time" (8:21) is basically unplugged thing (acoustically driven music) which sets its stage for the next segment with heavy prog style in the vein of Spock's Beard. It's quite a nice adrenalin-exploding track with its energetic style with changing tempos. The next track "2. Sunrise" (9:17) starts mellow with clear voice backed with acoustic guitar and stunning electric guitar solo. Yeah, the music is quite Spock's Beard, and I like it very well especially the one at the middle of the track where the music turns to move into heavier style with nice riffs with typical progressive metal style, combined beautifully with excellent keyboard work. The interlude is really rocking and it's hard for you who love heavy prog for not liking this beautifully crafted track.
The third track "Crossroad" (7:57) starts off beautifully with a dynamic drums work followed with energetic music in riff-based style. Yeah, you may call it still like Spock's Beard until you find guitar solo that sounds different than typical Spock's Beard music. The middle part of the song (interlude) there is a beautifulparts combining great guitar work and inventive keyboard solo. Bass guitar, as with previous tracks, play a distinctive roles during the track. It's an excellent composition. "Nothing" (3:42) is an ambient track with programming rhythm section. It brings back to an energetic - this time is NOT Spock's Beard - in "Temptation (4:40)" as the music is now using brass section with different singing style. Oh man .... This is a very nice music even though it sounds like a pop music. There is a very nice bluesy guitar work in the middle. It's so interesting!
"Escape" (10:30) sounds like a heavy prog music than a neo prog scene, much more driven with riffs and frequent tempo changes and style changes. With its long duration, I believe this one was destined to be an epic. The composition is nice and not like Spock's Beard. The interlude part with keyboard solo is really killing! " Still got my Faith in You" (4:02) is like a ballad to me, with an opening acoustic part combining acoustic guitar and vocals. The guitar work is really nice. "Solution" (7:26) starts with an energetic keyboard work that reminds me to the intro of Van Halen's "Jump". What follows is still another music with excellent composition - this time in the vein of SB even though Apple Pie has its own style.
The opening acoustic guitar solo that opens "Nothing Comes Everything" (8:06) is really cool and it's followed with beautiful piano work. This instrumental work moves the music beautifully from mellow parts in the beginning and goes into complex one. It flows seamlessly to the concluding track "Final" (13:00) with inventive keyboard work that reminds me to Gentle Giant.
Overall, I have to admit the beautiful composition these guys have made - creating an energetic music with nice harmony, frequent style and tempo changes. There are many influences from Spock's Beard. It's a highly recommended album. Keep on proggin' ...!
Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW
PROG REVIEWER

Latest members reviews
When I heard for the first time Apple Pie, it was because I read very good comments about the
band and they are from Russia, so I wanted to hear some neo prog music from that country to
see the results. The outcome? Incredible, it's a very good album with excellent music passages
in different
... (read more)
Report this review (#1034537) | Posted by Memo_anathemo | Saturday, September 14, 2013 | Review Permanlink
We have lived up to that exciting moment when Russia's progressive music gradually comes out of
hiding. Example of Apple Pie, I hope, will prove contagious. Published in Russia a fresh plate
received excellent press in Europe and has all chances to get loose on the full program - in certain
circl
... (read more)
Report this review (#267553) | Posted by sargassov | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | Review Permanlink
Dream Theater + Neal Morse / Spock 's Beard = Apple Pie
For those who like labels, Apple Pie is a shot of the best things I ever heard in the Neo-Prog,
does it sound like bands that want to imitate the keyboards of Marillion. While mixing the
sound of the bands mentioned above, such as the
... (read more)
Report this review (#226124) | Posted by nandprogger | Sunday, July 12, 2009 | Review Permanlink
These guys prove how much the emergent russian prog scene is inspired and skilled.
I won't tell that 90's'Russian musical scene wasn't gifted, and in fact I'm not apt to judge of it because I don't know much about it,
but I have to say that the new russian groups are amazing! Along with Disen G
... (read more)
Report this review (#153961) | Posted by Urs Blank | Monday, December 3, 2007 | Review Permanlink
So What makes it a great prog rock album?
Chops? Check.
The songs are guitar driven and when there are solos, the man plays right out of his
heart and not out of a Gilbert or Petrucci instructional video. With absolutely
superlative phrasing and intonation this guy steals the show whenever
... (read more)
Report this review (#121794) | Posted by eugenicscum | Saturday, May 12, 2007 | Review Permanlink
I've this album for about a week. It is a friend who recommended me "Crossroad" and
it is in my turn to suggest it to you hard. That's true similarities with Dream
Theater and Spock' s Beard are sometimes obvious however them do not upset.
Habitually I listen to my cds with headphones to be co
... (read more)
Report this review (#120110) | Posted by spacefolk | Sunday, April 29, 2007 | Review Permanlink
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