My first encounter with progressive Folk rockers CRYPTEX I exactly had on the tour this DVD tells about. Two days before these guys enthused me as support from Pain Of Salvation they played a show in Weert, the Netherlands, at De Bosuil, which was recorded for Live At De Bosuil.
It was the first ever tour for CRYPTEX, presenting their very first album Good Morning, How Did You Live? And they couldn’t have done it any better.
Founded back in 2008, CRYPTEX is a young trio of very talented musicians, who pleasantly combine progressive Folk Rock with a touch of Hard Rock and modern music to a very lively and genuine mix. Also live on stage CRYPTEX do it well, especially singer Simon Moskon is the born entertainer, can easily enthuse and enthrall the audience. Of course, the gents ain’t perfect, there are still things to work on, but a professional routine comes of its own volition. After Freeride Simon tries it with the Dutch language he in fact reads from a sheet but though he scores as the entire band does. CRYPTEX is such a likeable band. Simon’s voice sounds a bit raspy and hoarse at this night, and occasionally he over-phrases his singing.
Regarding the content there is absolutely nothing to nag about. The show offers 10 songs, all coming from the debut Good Morning, How Did You Live? Additionally there is a witty tour story with interviews and a photo gallery. Front and back cover look well designed. There is no booklet but a card with a discount code for the band’s merchandise shop ;)
Technically there are indeed a few things to quibble. Sound (just stereo) is still ok, but lights and image… If you are working in that business with a cam you know how bad red lights and LEDs are. So why not setting up different lights when I know that I’m recording the show for an upcoming DVD? I really do not understand… I mean, it is luckily not that dramatic. I have seen worse from bigger bands and DVD productions, but there are blurs every now and then, while the image quality is generally a bit coarse-grained. But to make it clear: all of this little inadequateness doesn’t narrow the impression and effort any bit! This band plays with heart and soul one can witness at every second. It is truly a pleasure to watch CRYTEX performing live. And for those who attended one of these shows it is for sure a nice memory of a wonderful concert evening :)
CRYPTEX – Live At De Bosuil can be ordered for 15 Euro from the band’s homepage and special shops.