TALL TALES

This is a modern symphonic rock band coming from Connecticut,formed in the 80's by Tim Horan (keyboards), Tony Cappellina (drums) and Danny Esposito (guitars),when they were teenagers with bassist Chris Vescera (brother of Mike Vescera,ex-Yngwie Malmsteen and Loudness) joining soon after.After a couple of line-up changes/additions and a turn to a more classic-oriented prog style (as CRUCIBLE played a more hard-rocking prog at their early years),the band find their way to their first self-release ''Tall tales'' in 1998.

STYLE: Definitely with an eye on 70's tradition,CRUCIBLE sound very modern but also vintage at the same time.Easily acceptable but musically demanding symphonic rock is what the listener wll meet if purchasing this album.The songs are short in their majority with an evident song orientation (except the long epic '' An Imp's Tale'') but the arrangements are in a typical progressive style with smooth interplays,the use of a variety of analog keys and the obvious influence of 70's prog monsters.You will not face any complex combinations or electric outbursts,the musicianship on ''Tall tales'' is quite calm and soft but carefully arranged.

INFLUENCES/SOUNDS LIKE: Imagine the pastoral mood of circa 70-75 GENESIS combined with classic rock side of KANSAS in their softer moments with a singer sounding a lot like GEDDY LEE with a dose of GABRIEL-icism.Modern prog bands that recall CRUCIBLE are SPOCK'S BEARD, PUPPET SHOW even some ENCHANT traces.

PLUS: Nice arrangements overall with the band not having composed a weak track or being too excessive.Fantastic performance and excellent use of analog keyboards (heavy doses of Hammond organ,mellotron,Fender Rhoads piano and moog synth) by the talented Tim Horan.Trully strong vocals by Bill Esposito,who has a style of his own.A pleasant 70's nostalgic atmosphere and by no means a bad copy of the past transformed into our age.

MINUS: The strong doses of vocal work might not be every prog rock fan's taste,especially those into more instrumental works.Horan seems to be the center of the band and the other musicians seems a bit lost in his shadow.Especially the work of guitarist Danny Esposito is hardly noticeable despite being quite strong.Abscense of a total winner track among the good compositions.

WILL APPEAL TO: Lovers of the classic 70's sound,but the album could be a good welcome to newbies of the progressive style of rock.

CONCLUSION/RATING: A very pleasant listening,''Tall tales'' by CRUCIBLE won't ever be categorized as a masterpiece of progressive rock music,but it will definitely be among the greatest releases of 1998 with a nice nostalgic taste.3.5 stars it gets in my books along with a strong recommendation.