After Crying
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"'Show' review"


Hungary’s After Crying are back with a new studio album after releasing consecutive live albums over the last few years. Show is somewhat of a departure for the band, as the overall sound of the group is moving away from their trademark “acoustic chamber rock” style of the earlier albums, to a keyboard oriented symphonic sound featuring lots more vocals that one would associate with the group in the past. Regardless of the subtle changes, the band has lost none of their penchant for bombastic melodies and sweeping instrumental passages.
“NWC-New World Coming” is as commercial as After Crying have ever gotten, as this sing along anthem features the strong vocals of Batky “BZ” Zoltan, who tells the tale of an individual who is hesitant to move forward in an ever changing world, and yearns for the past. The band roars into explosive symphonic fury on the instrumental “Invisible Legion”, with raging horns, strings, and walls of keyboards. Guitarist Torma Ferenc takes the lead on the brief “Face to Face”, a mysterious little number with layers of keyboards and melodic trumpet lines. Female vocalist Andrejszki Judit turns in a wispy performance on “Welcome on Board”, an ethereal piece that is a real departure for the band. Cellist Pejtsik Peter puts on a show on the gorgeous “Paradise Lost”, a sensuous instrumental that harkens back to the style of the bands earlier efforts. Sadly, at just under three minutes long it’s a tad too short. “Remote Control” is a rocking neo-prog number, another real departure for the band, with aggressive guitars, bubbling synths, and symphonic horns, to go along with the melodic vocals of Zoltan. He has a fine voice, but I wonder if it would have been better for him to sing in his native tongue rather than struggle through some of the English pronunciations? At just over nine minutes, this is one of the longer pieces on the CD, and it really worked for me, showing a side to the band that we have never seen before. The contrast between the chunky guitars, funky horns, and wild keyboards is quite intriguing. Next up is the futuristic “Technopolis”, complete with spoken word narration from Gorgenyi Tamas, eerie sythnesizer chips, and yearning guitar lines. Mid-way through this one the band shifts gears, as it becomes an almost ELP styled romp with classical piano excursions and blazing synths. After the short piano-lounge instrumental “Globevillage At Night”, comes the raging menace of “Bone Squad”, with full horn section and distorted guitars, ultimately ruined by annoying, gravely vocals (they were trying to have the vocals fit the mood of the lyrics, but it really doesn’t work in my opinion.)
“Wanna Be a Member” starts of with some great lead synth lines, but then turns into a techno-rap mess with Latin horns. Not sure what they were thinking here. The requisite epic on the album is the 15-minute “Secret Service”, a real enjoyable piece that ties in many styles and manages to remain intoxicating all the way through. Lots of cello, piano, electric guitar, trumpet, and melodic vocals on this one, which all combine for quite the alluring listening experience. The last two numbers are real keyboard workouts; the Yes flavored “Farewell” and the Latin tinged “Life Must Go On”, both excellent songs that showcase the instrumental talents of keyboard players Lengyel Zoltan and Winkler Balazs.
In summary, it’s obvious that After Crying has tried to modern their sound and truly progress their style. How the majority of their fans take to it is another issue, but I think they have created a varied platter of music here, not all of which works, but you have to give them credit for taking some risks. It will be interesting to see where they go from here.

Pete Pardo
Sea of Tranquility
- Sea of Tranquility


"After Crying - After Crying Show"

After Crying - After Crying Show

"A new world's coming and the old one's gone" is the opening line of After Crying's new record, and I don't think there's a line that would suit this record better. After Crying is, in my humble opinion, the band which has best succeeded in modernizing progressive rock without ending up in some small, specialized sub-genre. They look back and forward with the same sharp eye, and based on what they see, they produce an all-absorbing music.

"Show" is the group's first offering with entirely new material since "6" in 1997, a record which did not fully meet my expectations. The line-up is the same, however somewhat extended, but the group still appears radically renewed, with more contrast in their music. They still borrow a lot of music. The opening track "New World Coming" opens with the notes of the Gregorian melody to "Dies Irae" from the 13th century, and they (naturally) incorporate several themes from Dvorak's "New World Symhony".

After Crying's biggest advantage is that they are without musical limitations. They are such capable musicians that all their ideas are easily materialised. They are a rock band this moment, half a symphony orchestra in the next, then pure prog, a big band, a jazz ensemble, and they feature soloists on most instruments (although with a fairly long guest list). Virtuosity can of course be used in many ways, you can spend your life playing predictable arpeggios all your life (no names mentioned), or you can use it for creating this kind of unique music. After Crying is a band which to a much larger extent than the others perfect their musical ideas (one of the band members are credited with "conception and dramaturgy"). A lot of what they do is in the same musical landscape as The Enid, but no matter how much I love Robert John Godfrey and his band, in this company, The Enid become fumbling amateurs.

In "Remote Control" After Crying show that they have not completely forgotten their ELP influences. The track is constructed as a TV evening completely with commercial breaks and news spots. The technologic society of today/tomorrow is also the theme for the lyrics on the album. "Technopolis" is almost big band jazz (with an energy surpassing anything I've heard in a big band). The short instrumental "Globeville At Night" is dedicated to Béla Bartók. "Wanna Be A Member?" is a wonderful mix of rap, Crimson guitars and Reneissance'ish symphonic rock. "Secret Service" with its 15 minues is almost an entire album of its own. With a John Wetton soundalike vocalist they become some kind of alternative 00-ies King Crimson. To understate this, they borrow the opening/ending theme from "Easy Money" - and Ravel's "Bolero" which they perform in a mixture of jazz and Crimson style. Brutality and beauty in perfect combination.

"Show" is 72 action packed minutes. The album of the year! No doubt!!



Sven Eriksen
Tarkus
January 2004
- Tarkus


"Review on 'Creatura'"

Wow ... what can I say ... After Crying did it again. A few weeks ago I wrote that “To Shatter All Accord”, the new studio album from Discipline, was the biggest surprise of the year 2011 and gave the album four and a half points out of five. So I have a problem here because this is a five out of five points album! After Crying takes the time to release new albums ... but they all are real gems of progressive rock. The music is indeed ranging from acoustic chamber music to modern rock and pop, symphonic orchestration and classical or contemporary forms. You can find great music and breathtaking melodies on this fine prog album. For me “Creatura” is the album of the year!

Douwe Fledderus - ProgVisions


"After Crying in Poland"

The planned Polish After Crying dates had to be one of the most pleasing surprises of the year. Although the band still has a limited recognition in our country, quite a few experts regard After Crying as one of the most interesting and innovating ensembles on the current progressive rock scene. (…) The band's eclectism is amazing, both in the variety of used instrumentation (the full rock set plus two more keyboards, trumpet, cello and flute, played by the soundman Gabor Egervari from behind the board!) as well as in the lack of any stylistic limits. (…) I could not resist to shout "A Gadarai Megszallott!" before the encores! - Polshack, Caladan Magazine


"Most creative and well renowned ensembles in modern progressive music"

The Hungarian group After Crying is far and away one of the most creative and well renowned ensembles in modern progressive music. Not only are they perhaps the finest band to ever come out of Eastern Europe, they have also emerged as perhaps one of the finest symphonic groups of the 1990's, releasing a string of albums that have been gobbled up by prog fans worldwide. The band's prime influences are undoubtedly early King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, yet unlike some of their current "prog" contemporaries, AC manages to truly push their music beyond the boundaries already charted by the heroes of the genre. The band incorporates a heavy classical influences, illustrated by the use of cello, flute and trumpet, as well as Hungarian folk music, into a completely unique and incredibly satisfying style. (…) Overall, next to perhaps Anglagard and precious few others, After Crying is one of the only absolutely vital bands dwelling in the "symphonic" realm to have released classic, groundbreaking work in the 90's. Their prime albums are all essential. - Greg Northrup, Giant Progweed


"Highlight of Baja Prog"

After Crying was far and away the highlight of the festival. I already knew that I liked them based on 3 of their albums that I had prior to the concert. But, those records did not prepare me for the intensity and power of their live performance. This was the single best concert that I have seen since Mahavishnu in 1986. This performance is in my top 3 favorite shows that I have ever seen! I look forward to seeing them more. I hope that a video is made of one of their concerts. I would especially like a video of the Baja Prog performance. - Dirk Evans, Data Research Associates


"A virtuosic musical cooperative"

Performing second Saturday was the incredible Hungarian band After Crying - a virtuosic musical cooperative whose travelling core unit of seven players drew the weekend’s loudest and longest ovations. This way by far the festival’s most ’serious’ band from an artistic perspective, combining contemporary classical chamber music with progressive rock and amazing versatility. - John Collinge, Progression Magazine


"A classic"

Simply one of the two or three best shows I’ve ever seen in all my life. A classic. A lesson in intelligence and clever musicianship. They showed why they are considered the world’s best group. - Andres Valle, Mellotron Magazin


"Best band"

We really think After Crying is the best band in the world, along with YES,
KING CRIMSON and ELP.
- Didier Gonzalez, Highlands Magazin


"After Crying : Struggle for Life"

After Crying - i think that in prog circles this name is not unfamiliar with a bell to a lot of fans. The 1997 tour naturally supported the "6" album - but of course some oolder tracks are also included. Only AC's second album is not represented - I have no idea why, because it is definitely my favourite disc. Perhaps the band deliberately left the tracks off or they were not played at all on the tour. Nevermind - the music on Struggle for life is excellent anyway, from the first to the last note. In case you have not heard After Crying before, imagine a combination of King Crimson's perfection and ELP's spontaneity, add the beautiful cellos and trumpets - and it still won't do them full justice. I have to mention that the guitarist is terrific, the drummer's a virtuoso... and it is usually a seven-piece on stage! Something like a small orchestra, perfectly tight and organised. (…) Those yet uninitiated will have a perfect starting point with this album, those familiar with the band don't need any encouraging. Wherver you are - look out for an After Crying gig - they are certainly worth seeing! - Caladan Magazine


"After Crying: De Profundis"

Musically this outfit is really quite exceptional. These obviously classically trained musicians are uniquely creative and clever. There are times that the compositions sound like a marriage of Aaron Copeland and Frank Zappa. - Simon (USA)


"After Crying: De Profundis"

Wonderful stuff and highly recommended! Well After Crying is a fantastic, very versatile ensemble, because in every new album you can discover something special and absolutely interesting!! "De profundis" which begins with a "Gregorian mood", continues to explore the great possibilities of the synthesizers and introduces the listener to an incredible atmosphere, rich with a lot of colours and a dynamic sounds as well, both dark and "airy" (the track "Stalker" is a typical example).You can listen also to a couple of piano performances, in the vein of Keith Emerson, very well played and a very strong execution in the epic Manok Tanca as well; the rest is represented by some splendid mini-suites. It's true, the vocals are a bit difficult to take, but nevermind, the excellent suites they keep on playing skillfully are an universal language! I wish you a good listen. - Lethe (Italy)


"After Crying: 6."

Very fine and intelectual music! No doubt the quality of the musicians and their performance is excellent. I had just listen to this CD so I'm limited to rate their whole work and his evolution. I'm a Pink Floyd - Genesis - Marilion fan and also a classical music addicted. The influence from the classical music (mainly orchestral) is evident in their compositions, and I will say that this kind of progressive rock is very fine and complicated. People that is open minded music listeners will enjoy this CD very much, but expect everything but commercial or popular music. - Javier Lachica, Bravo (Mexico)


"Review: After Crying, Bootleg Symphony"

This is about the best rock/classical music project ever - better than for example the pioneering work of The Nice, Deep Purple’s and Jon Lord or Yes’ recent effort. (…) One never has the uncomfortable feeling of a rock beat galloping next to an orchestra playing, and - although the band itself plays also on the disc - the orchestra gets the main part and leading role on this disc. The sound, however, remains typical After Crying with a most significant instrument: that typical play on and use of the trumpet. People who are familiar with the band’s previous work should know what a bunch of accomplished (and classically trained) musicians the guys of After Crying are, but even I never expected this rate of perfection. Words can hardly describe this CD – this certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are into classical music or a fan of After Crying, this is recommended listening with a good set of headphones and a minimum of distraction! - Carsten Busch, Backgroud Magazine


"After Crying: Bootleg Symphony"

After Crying are easily the leading proponents of symphonic prog today and this release cinches their status. It’s interesting that Bootleg Symphony, taken from a live performance last October in Budapest, comes out the same year that Yes embarks upon a world tour with an orchestra behind them. Having attended one of the recent Yes shows I can say that After Crying did it better. (…) Overall this is as good an example of symphonic prog as I’ve heard in some time and for fans of the genre this is a must buy. Highly recommended. - Paul Hightower, Exposé


"After Crying: Bootleg Symphony"

After Crying are easily the leading proponents of symphonic prog today and this release cinches their status. It’s interesting that Bootleg Symphony, taken from a live performance last October in Budapest, comes out the same year that Yes embarks upon a world tour with an orchestra behind them. Having attended one of the recent Yes shows I can say that After Crying did it better. (…) Overall this is as good an example of symphonic prog as I’ve heard in some time and for fans of the genre this is a must buy. Highly recommended. - Paul Hightower, Exposé


Discography

Opus 1 (1989, cassette) (CD reedition 2009)
Overground Music (1990)
Concert 1991 (cassette, 1991)
Megalázottak és megszomorítottak (1992)
Föld és ég (1994)
De Profundis (1996)
Elso évtized (1996)
6 (1997)
Almost Pure Instrumental (1998)
Struggle for Life (2000)
Struggle for Life – essential (2000)
Bootleg Symphony (2001)
Show (2003)
Live [DVD] (2007)
Opus 1 (2009)
1989 (2009)
Creatura (2011)

Photos

Bio

AFTER CRYING

After Crying is one of the most exciting musical formations of the Hungarian and International musical scene, a creative workshop, playing 'contemporary classical music' that actually speaks the same language as progressive rock.
Started in 1986 as an acoustic trio, Gábor Egervári (flute), Csaba Vedres (piano) and Péter Pejtsik (cello) based their music on influences by Bach, Beethoven and Bartók as well as Emerson, Lake and Palmer, the King Crimson and Laurie Anderson. Over the past 26 years the band has grown and has constantly been morphing from an acoustic chamber ensemble to a progressive rock band, lately performing many times with a full symphony orchestra.

Back in 1990 they signed with Periferic Records, an important indie label in the prog genre, releasing their first album ‘Overground Music’ and the collaboration lasts since then.

After Crying has performed in every major Hungarian concert venue, ranging from small clubs to 10000-seat arenas, and has been on several tours: Portugal, England and Israel in the early years, later France (ProgLife Festival, 1998), Mexico (Baja Prog 1999), Venezuela (2000), USA (NEARFest, 2001) and in the following years Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Greece.

The Highland magazine elected After Crying for the ‘Best Band of 1998’.

"We really think After Crying is the best band in the world, along with YES, KING CRIMSON and ELP."
Didier Gonzalez, Highlands Magazin

In the poll of the Spanish magazine ‘Progvisions’ After Crying came out as the ‘Best Progressive Band of the ‘90s’ and ‘De Profundis’ (1996) was chosen as the ‘Best Studio Album’. The same album was elected ‘CD of the month’ at the Italian music journal Cranium Music.

At the first progressive festival in Hungary (1996) they shared the stage with Peter Hammill (Van der Graf Generator) and the Ritual band.

In August 1997 After Crying was joined by John Wetton (UK, King Crimson, ASIA) to perform ‘Starless’ at the ‘West Gate Festival’ in Budapest. The recording has been published on the ‘Struggle For Life – Essential’ (2000) album.

In 2001 After Crying played in the U.S. on the ‘NEARFest’ in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sharing the stage with Tony Levin’s California Guitar Trio.

A milestone of the band’s entire career was a Symphonic concert at the Liszt Academy Concert Hall in 2000, Budapest, (released on the concert album ‘Bootleg Symphony’). It lead the way to many highly successful future symphonic performances:

• 2001 with the After Crying Philharmonic, Budapest, Academy of Music (the band’s 15th Anniversary)
• 2004 with the Miskolc Symphony Orchestra, Miskolc
• 2006 with the Danubia Symphony Orchestra, Budapest, Palace of Arts (the band’s 20th Anniversary)
• 2009 with the Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra, Pécs
• 2012 with the Danubia Symphony Orchestra, Budapest, Palace of Arts (the band’s 25th Anniversary)
• 2012 with the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, Thessaloniki, Greece (Opening night of the 47th Dimitria Festival)

After Crying was awarded the ‘eMeRTon’ Prize of the Hungarian Radio in 2004 as the ‘Band of the Year’.

After Crying’s latest studio album ‘Creatura’ (2011) came out for the band’s 25th Anniversary. A great many international and Hungarian progressive forums have praised it, some even saying this is the best album they have ever recorded.

They have released 11 studio and 4 concert albums and a live concert DVD over the years, but what has really granted After Crying the highest recognition and this particular place in the internatinal musical scene are their unique uncomparable live performances.

"Simply one of the two or three best shows I’ve ever seen in all my life. A classic. A lesson in intelligence and clever musicianship. They showed why they are considered the world’s best group."
Andres Valle, Mellotron Magazin