SOLARIS 1990

SOLARIS may be one of my all time favourite electronic symphonic rock bands with "1990" representing another excellent recording in their discography. Essentially "1990" consists of four parts: 1. 1980 - the first SOLARIS Radio-recordings, 2. Los Angeles 2026 - "A" side of the second SOLARIS LP that had been previously released, 3. A Night Exhibition - a suite, which was composed of their farewell-koncert and 4. Ceremonial Concert - a memorial concert in the year 2026 . Musically SOLARIS are László Gömör - drums, István Cziglán - guitars, Attila Kollár - flute, Gábor Kisszabó - bass, Tamás Pócs - bass, Robert Erdesz - keyboards and Csaba Bogdán - guitars. Their compositions are complex and contain a lot of varied themes and arrangements, as well as many beautiful solos and interplays between guitars, keyboards and flute. This is pretty much an all instrumental album with music full of inspiration and originality. Their music has a strong melodic content, often laced with Eastern European themes, and is highlighted by the use of dynamics and extended thematic developments. For me the definite highlight is the 23+ minute piece "Los Angeles 2026", with its interlocking themes and gradual buildup to the climax.