Reviews

...The sound on Playgrounds is clearly rooted in the influences of the progressive classics. The Moog and Mellotron sounds, the long guitar and sax solos, the extended instrumentals and the long song lengths yield 7 tracks of rich symphonic music with structures and phrasings that recall both the seventies and the best of nineties-neo. While there’s no disputing the quality of the musicianship, and the guitarwork is particularly pleasing, you may take a while to get used to Hansi’s lead vocals which recall a more tentative version of Neal Morse...
www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=1833

Cross is the band of Progress Records' top man and multi-instrumentalist, Hansi Cross and also features Lollo Andersson (basses) and Thomas Hjort (drums, harmony vocals). Playgrounds is the band's eighth album (if you include their mini CD, Paradox). Joining the band for this album, among a variety of guest musicians is Grand Stand's (and Spektrum) Olav Andersson who adds his keyboard skills, and Goran Fors (Galleon, Spektrum). The music leans on the heavier and more majestic side of prog, at times hitting the neo style of latter day IQ and also mid- term Genesis (prior to Hackett's departure), the latter especially notable by the keyboards and percussion styles and sounds. It is not only the sounds which are reminiscent of Genesis and IQ. The compositions and phrasings regularly nod towards these great bands, instantly giving the listener to Cross for the first time that feeling of familiarity and warmth...
www.hairlessheartherald.co.uk/crossply.htm

Swedish ‘Cross’, a symphonic project from Hansi Cross, has produced through the years a respectable discography. But unlike many other bands, Cross has succeeded to improve the quality throughout each release, and this seems to be the case again with ‘Playgrounds’. Influences from the past like Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, etc are now reunited into a very own sound, neo-progressive symphonic rock as this seems to become typical for Scandinavian bands. On this album Cross has found the perfect balance between the vocal and instrumental pieces. Some will have difficulties with that raw, sometimes complaining voice of Hansi, but after a few listenings you will find out that his voice fits perfectly the instrumental parts...
www.prog-nose.org/engels/albums_2004/cross_playgrounds.htm

...The sound on Playgrounds is basically a very good combination of classic 70's symphonic and 90's neo along with some classic rock sounds here and there. The highlights for me are the three longer tracks. It showcases their musicianship and songwritting perfectly. Plus they’re very memorable and have a sense of familiarity when they first start. To me this is very comforting, while as I do like challenging music, I also like something within my safe zone...
www.geocities.com/prognaut/reviews/cross.html