STRUGGLE FOR LIFE (ESSENTIAL)

Dear cousins Hungarians, where are you hiding! Having heard only two Hungarian prog bands (Solaris and After Crying) I'm certain that it's a qualified prog country. First things to notice about both bands is the very high playing skill, most likely received by classical training, and the inclusion of classical instruments such as flute. After Crying has also violin, cello and trumpet.

This is the 1-CD version of live compilation and shows the band's mastery at stage. It's hard to say how well the chosen pieces represent the output, but I do hope this is NOT 'the best of After Crying' as I would see it (I'm on my way of hearing more). There's an epic 'Conclusion' dedicated to Keith Emerson and it really sounds like ELP as their most pompous. Also 'Radio Rarotonga', the first song after the instrumental opening number, seems pointless to me with its spoken repetitive narration. But the rest is fine chamber rock - including beautiful melodies played by gorgeous trumpet for example - that leaves me hungry for more. I like the singer's voice as well. The final number 'Starless' features John Wetton and is very faithful to the original in King Crimson's Red. Definitely a band not to ignore.