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| Cryptic Vision - Moments Of Clarity |
 Released: 2003 Label: Progrock Records Cat. No.: n/a Total Time: 56:49 | |
Reviewed by: David Cisco, April 2004 You know what? At first, I didn’t like Cryptic Vision’s Moments Of Clarity; I was turned off by the obvious reuse (more cynical types would be crying “rip off!”) of dated progressive styles. That said, I’ve always been one to revisit the past so I can remember just why I loved some things so much. And you know what? After a lot of listenings, my view has turned around. Moments Of Clarity is more than a little derivative, but given Cryptic Vision’s talent, it’s also a fine debut that is referential and entertaining, and provides a panoramic review of progressive rock history, from the late Sixties to the early Nineties. Not to be confused with Cryptic Visions from the Windy City, Cryptic Vision hail from Florida, a trio of musicians whose names may be familiar to you: Todd Plant (lead and backing vocals), Rick Duncan (just about everything including the kitchen sink), and Robert Van Dyne (keys and guitars). Providing ample support is a large cast of performing and studio veterans, including David Ragsdale (Kansas), Ralph Santolla (Iced Earth), and Howard Helm (Zon). Multi-instrumentalist Duncan is responsible for most of Moments Of Clarity, having written or co-written ten of the eleven songs, with Van Dyne contributing the pivotal – and heartbreaking – “Colored Leaf”. A concept album, Moments Of Clarity deals with a young man’s journey through spiritual awakening, loss of love and faith, and redemption, with each song representing a phase of his journey. Composer Duncan’s lyrics may seem simplistic to finicky listeners but are, in truth, eloquent in their honesty and clarity; it’s not hard to understand (or share) his inspiration. The icing on the lyrical cake is vocalist Plant, whose resonant tenor (very similar to that of Survivor’s Jim Peterik) lends a soulful depth to Duncan’s heartfelt words. In a field where great singers abound, Plant certainly ranks with the best; I can’t imagine anyone but Plant singing these songs, let alone doing it half as well. The music is just as impressive. Moments Of Clarity is not limited to progressive rock; fans of pomp rock and AOR should be very happy with the songs offered here. “Introspective” begins like an outtake from Alan Parsons’ I, Robot, and turns into a pomp rock overture a la Yngwie Malmsteen. “Grand Design” not only lifts the title from Rush, but turns “Jacob’s Ladder” on its head, then runs straight into Yes territory, featuring rolling, airy choruses that make me suspect that Anderson and Squire owe more than a little thanks to the Beach Boys. “Angeline” gets the toes tapping with its nifty keyboard arpeggios, big B3 and power chords, and Plant lending convincing joy while sounding more than a little like Tommy Shaw. Tragedy strikes hard with “Losing Faith," as joy is hammered into grief “with one phone call”, colored by a sparse arrangement of acoustic guitar, piano, and Plant’s pain-filled vocals. Real life harshly reasserts itself in “Colored Leaf” (my favorite song here), featuring Plant’s best vocal and a Pink Floyd-ian break with a great synth solo and some Dave Gilmour-inflected guitars. The epic title suite recalls Dream Theater’s Images And Words, while “Ascension” mixes DT with a healthy dose of IQ-style neo-prog to close Moments Of Clarity on a majestic note. So, you know what? I really like Cryptic Vision and their Moments Of Clarity, and I think you will, too. Very cool – check it out. Rating: 3.5/5 [See also Marcel's and John M's reviews - ed.] More about Moments Of Clarity: Track Listing: Introspective (5:06) / New Perspective (4:05) / Contemplation (4:16) / Grand Design (7:16) / Angeline (4:22) / Losing Faith (2:25) / Angel’s Requiem (2:14) / Colored Leaf (4:44) / Shock Value (4:03) / Moments of Clarity (12:28): l. Flash of Life- ll. Abaddon - lll. In Due Time – lV. Hope for Tomorrow / Ascenscion (5:42) Musicians: Contact: Websites: Discography | |
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