Now normally it’s correct to review an album just before its
time of release. In this instance it’s all down to band I saw supporting Pain
Of Salvation recently in the UK (Check out the live review), and I just want
more people to give this band a listen. ‘Good Morning, How Did You Live?’ was released
back in May 2011, and I’m disappointed that I’ve not heard this band previously,
but I feel that I need to put this right
To be totally honest it’s almost obscene that three (young) German
lads from Salzgitter, Germany can churn our quality Progressive/folk rock like
this in the 21st Century. I’m not against the good people of
Salzgitter, just that fact that these three can produce music like this. They’re
in their young 20s for Gods sake! They shouldn’t have influences and a sound
like this. I’ve got gig T-shirts older than these three
To say that their music is a bit all over the place is an understatement,
and a fact that shouldn’t be taken in the wrong context. It’s this eclecticness
that makes Cryptex an interesting band indeed. Mastermind behind their style is
one Simon Moskon (Keys/piano,
bluesharp, harmonica, bass, and even didgeridoo!!) a Noddy Holder
lookalike, but that’s where the similarity ends. In fact he’s more in the Ian
Anderson mould, but in this dimension its Ian Anderson morphed with Freddy
Mercury, Richard O Brien, Meat Loaf, Tim Burton and some off kilter US
Broadway! And the music is as interesting as you could imaging this collaboration
to be. Moskon confidently
holds the keys (and tambourine) to their future success
Also, NEVER judge a book by its
cover as the CD cover makes them look like the bastard offspring of Jim
Henson's Muppets and Robert Smith (Cure), and you're still only half way there!
This alone could put many off from their brand of folk rock
'Hicksville, Habitus and Itchy Feet' is a great
opening track, which just soars around you. Martin Linke on guitar handles
himself impeccably, not overplaying and keeping it all simple but
essential. ‘ Dance of the Strange Folk’ is right out of
Tull’s locker, and is just a strangely addictive song with great harmonies from
all. 12 months ago neither Ramon or Linke sang at all, you wouldn’t think so! ‘Freeride’
is a song straight out of a dark Tim Burton-esque Broadway musical. ‘ Bagheera’
unfortunately does not wax lyrical about the Jungle Books black panther, and is
again short, sweet and neat. ‘Its Mine’ builds takes the pace down gently before
building the pressure right up for the final third, and is a great song performed
live with Moskon showing his blues chops off on the harp.
Imagine the conversation in the studio
‘Now Herr’s, I’m going to open up the next song with me on the didgeridoo. Any
questions?’ Well Prog-Folk fans, ‘Gypsy’s Lullaby’ does just that. I’d hate to
be Moskon's tech guy on tour!! ‘’Guitar? Ya! Piano? Ya! Harp? Ya! Bass? Ya! Kiddies
Glockenspiel? Ya! Aussie wooden drainpipe thingy covered in spit? Ya!’’
‘Camden Town’ is influenced after
Moskon’s stay in the capital with his girlfriend complete with recording stolen
from London Underground. Its leans more towards 70s classic rock than anything
so far, with Ramon Heig’s drumming is all ‘rat-tat-tat’ like a machine gun! ‘Leviathan’
follows suit, heavy with the Queen school of vocal harmonies kicking in for
good measure. ‘ ‘Alois’ is where
‘Cryptex’ shine the most, stripped down and full of power and emotion. ‘Most
Lovable Monster’ is as heavy as Cryptex get, yet it’s rocking one minute and
subtle the next.
I must admit I can’t find much
fault with this album. The multi direction of the songs may put a few people
off but to me it’s all an exciting ride from beginning to end. All of this
quality from such a young trio! Cryptex deserve, and fully I expect them to go
very far in the future. I can’t wait for the next Album.
If you get the chance to see them
supporting pain of Salvation on their current Euro tour, take it with both
hands. They won’t disappoint
90/100
Tracklisting -
Intro
Hicksville,
Habitus & Itchy Feet
Dance of the
Strange Folk
Freeride
Bagheera
It’s Mine
Gypsy’s Lullaby
Camden Town
Leviathan
The Big Easy
Mom
Alois
Most Lovable Monster
Grief and Despair
A Colour Called Gently
Outro
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