Crucible 'Tall Tales'

Crucible - 'Tall Tales' (1997)

Quality progressive rock from the US is starting to come at a startling rate these days, especially the last 5-6 years. Just think 'Spocks Beard", "Echolyn", "Djam Karet" and "Discipline" and you'll know what I mean. So it was maybe no surprise that more of the same would follow and "Tall Tales" the debut album from Crucible certainly does not disappoint.

The first thing to say about 'Tall Tales' is that there is more than a hint of an early-Genesis influence although closer to 'Wind And Wuthering' or 'Trick of the Tale' than say 'Trespass' or 'Foxtrot'. However my initial listen probably did the band an injustice because each consequent play actually reveals a much stronger identity beyond these obvious similarities. Of course if it's done well it is hard to turn ones nose up at such an influence anyway!

Actually categorising the band also proves difficult which in itself has got to be a good thing. There's no doubt that a neo-prog label can be placed but the exclusive use of analogue keyboards gives the album a beautifully organic and melancholic feel. Beyond this some of the theme development is truly heroic and to this end symphonic.

Genesis influence aside what scores Crucible so many points is the sublime song writing and arrangements that are some of the most subtle and affective I have heard for a long long time.

Opener 'Over the falls' sets the tone beautifully to what is to follow throughout, blending some wonderful piano and mellotron work over the top of a shifting but always cohesive structure. The interplay of drum and bass is both complex and highly effective and another reason why Crucible stand tall above other neo-progressive contemporaries. The lead vocals of " " are also pleasing to the ear being a mix of Geddy Lee and John Anderson.

Unlike many contemporary prog outfits Crucible are clearly not afraid of the 4/5 minute song format and the quality of the 4 songs within this bracket are stunning. Affecting verse and chorus refrains are nailed down with melancholic splendour each song interweaved with intelligent and uplifting instrumental breaks. Crucible don't impress with mind-blowing complexity but rather deliver through gentle and moving pastoral soundscapes made famous by 70s Genesis. "Track2" and " Land for Sale" deserve special mention as stand out tracks, the former laced with Tullian overtones and the second graced by some simply sublime chord development.

Of course great prog will always deliver a number of lengthy epics in order to keep in line with the most marvellous of all genres and Crucible are by no exception…

The 11-minute 'Lords and Leeches' is a sheer joy to behold. Quirky and jaunty, some highly pleasing instrumental breaks (with more than one nod to classic Camel here) and more spine-tingling layers of mellotron work. Like most of Crucibles work the song is book ended by an excellent and in this case rocking chorus.

Mind you if 'Lords and Leeches' is good then the concluding track 'An Imps Tale' is breathtaking. Delivered as a multi-sectional 20-minute+ epic it is one of the finest examples of such a grandiose gesture to be heard for a very, very long time… Echoes of 'Suppers Ready' are here but again Crucible are able to maintain their identity with some truly neck-tingling themes. Quiet, mellotron sections are effortlessly bound to rockier upbeat moments, as are traditional symphonic themes to a number of counter styles. Again what makes Crucible rise so high above so many of their contemporaries is the sheer quality of the songs and the effortless cohesion which spans the full breadth of the track from the understated subtle introduction to the Bank like keyboard mastery of its conclusion. Pure genius.

It is rare for this reviewer to speak which such effortless enthusiasm about a contemporary progressive album and yet 'Tall Tales' is without doubt a classic within the genre. It rarely takes the pace much higher than a scamper of drums or a biting guitar break and yet in a way this is the foundation of their success. Where so many bands now often hide beyond ever increasing complexity Crucible strip the music to a level where unless the writing quality is superb there is no where to hide. And yet over and over again they succeed and then some.

Wonderful.

Gareth J. Long