After Crying - i think that in prog circles this name is not unfamiliar with a bell to a lot of fans. I can't wait for their first eevr Polish mini-tour, so it's a good time to review After Crying's latest release, being a collection of live recordings .
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. To be honest, I hate concerts, where the players reproduce the studio material note for note, not adding anything to it. The whole idea of a live performance is improvising, having fun from playing together, when even mistakes sound fresh and interesting. But there are no bugs on Struggle for life - instead you'll get tons of brilliant instrumental passages, trumpet - guitar, or guitar - cello duels. Especially the last instrument I mentioned can be exceptionally versatile, switching from lyrical melodies to lamost hard-rocking riffs.
The group's compositions perfectly match the accoustic trumpet, flute, cello and piano sound with the truly rock guitar and keyboards. The ELP-like keys go very much in front in the closing 30-minute epic Conclusion, which seems to develop some themes from Tarkus. While I felt that the studio version of the piece was sort of stiff, the live performance comes out very energetic and is an absolute pleasure to listen. Another song worth a special mention is Judas - one of my favourites, with some awesome guitar and trumpet parts.
And there is one cover track too... Those who know the record might wonder why I waited so long to mention AC's version of King Crimson's Starless recorded with a guest help of John Wetton. Well, the execution is good - but only good. I hoped that After Crying would add more of their own to the song, more cello, more madness... The musicians approached the piece with respect and reproduced it flawlessly - but you could expect something more. I know, this is only my shameless moaning and if I had been sitting in front of the stage that night, I would be the happiest (and loudest) person on earth . ;-)
A few words about the edition, which is very interesting in itself. The second CD, apart from the music, contains an interactive section: a thorough description of the tour, articles, pictures, interviews - and even the actual arrangement of instruments onstage! Excellent work and a joy for a fan. Additionally, we are treated to 3 songs in mp3 format, including one previously unreleased.
Summing up - an excellent live album from a top-notch band. 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!

Krzysztof Welia