PERPETUAL

Fourth release by this Polish band, after Egoist, Straw Andy and Unbroken Spirit Lives in Us. I am happy to report that, in my view, the band, which was previously going progressively downhill, seems to have stopped (if not wholly reversed) the sad trend.

I thought Egoist was a top-notch album with sufficient variation (and guitar breaks) within the tracks to maintain interest throughout - think of (a less dynamic) Landmarq or, say, Janison Edge.

The first half of Straw Andy maintains the standard of its predecessor. However, there is an alarming deterioration towards the end where the band seems to be re-positioning itself squarely as middle-of-the-road rock balladeers: all heartfelt lyrics and over-dramatic wailing guitars. This is a trademark prog conceit, designed (supposedly) to add weight and depth to its surroundings, but selectivity is the key: a succession of maudlin ballads is enough to send you scurrying to the hills, to scrape your knuckles on the rocks.

Much of Unbroken Spirit Lives in Us reinforces the trend, with the title track being a particular culprit. "Nothing will change before we die" pleads Sabina on Awakening. Quite right, too - any more of this and we'll all need putting out of our collective misery before the night is over. Thankfully, the closing two-parter, The End, is hauntingly beautiful and serves wholly to restore your faith in the human condition.

And so to Perpetual. Crikey! The band has now thrown in electric violins for good measure. Still too much dramatic blancmange for my liking (eg December), and too much contrived jauntiness (eg Don't say a Word) , but at least the band has rediscovered some grit and balls...although not enough to raise the overall score above 3 stars.

Having belatedly noted from the scores on the doors that Egoist is actually the least regarded album to date, I went back and had another listen. First time I had done so in many years, and I thought maybe my memory was playing tricks. Then I listened again to the other three as well. No change - Egoist is definitely the only one where each and every track stands on its own feet. All in all, I reckon it's streets ahead of any of its successors; and if you want to hear the band at its best, and leave your knuckles undamaged, I recommend that you don't stray beyond it.

Interesting computer program keyboard-oriented Neo Prog. It's melodic, quirky, gentle, and graced by the FREQUENCY DRIFT/INTROITUS type of sound and female vocalist (Sabina Godula-Zając),

Five star songs: 2. "Face in the mirror" (4:20) (9/10) and 7. "Secrets to hide" (5:39) which has a cool PINGVINORKESTERN feel to it. Great pacing groove. And better sound choices. (9/10)

Four star songs: 1. "Something to Forget" (5:10) (8/10); 3. "Train of life" (5:11) banjo! (8/10); 8. "New beginning" (5:55) a long introduction leads into a pleasant, melodic instrumental song (8/10); 9. "December" (5:33) the computer drums immediately intrigue and repel me. Piano and low register female vocal soon join in. Singer gets emotionally involved. Nice piano bar or AM rock ballad. (8/10); 4. "Don't say a word" (4:34) Nice vocal but too syrupy. The keyboard sounds sound old. (7/10), and; 5. "In the name..." (4:24) ("...of the Lord") weird little song. (7/10)

Three star songs: 6. "Catch & release" (5:14) So simple. And dated. Like a bad 70s rock song. (6/10)

A solid three star album. Good but not great.

Loonypark have long been one of my favourite Polish progressive rock bands, and one with an incredibly stable line- up. This 2016 release was their fourth album, and apart from the replacement of drummer Jakub Grzeslo after 2008's debut, 'Egoist', it was the same as it was since the beginning namely singer Sabina Godula-Zając, Piotr Grodecki (guitar, double bass, banjo), Krzysztof Lepiarczyk (keyboards, programming, composer & arranger), Piotr Lipka (bass) and Grzegorz Fieber (drums). What we have here is extremely strong neo prog, but the band refuse to sit still so while opener "Something To Forget" is bombastic with great guitar lines, hooks and simple but effective keyboards leads, the follow-up "Face In The Mirror" is far more laid-back. This even features violin from guest Sylwia 'Maya' Majka until Piotr decides to ensure everyone is still awake as he crunches through.

Arrangements aren't overly complex, and although this is progressive, at the heart is a rock band which is being controlled by the keyboard player who is happy to rely on piano as he is on other keyboards. Sabina has a warm rock voice which works well within the music as she sings in clear un-accented English. The result is a very approachable release, that contains some very strong moments indeed, although they do seem to be treading water at times when they slow it down. The band is definitely most in their element when they up the tempo, introduce more rock elements into their music, and there are times when they come across as a modern Simple Minds with guitar making inroads here and there as opposed to all the time. The use of banjo is surprisingly effective, as long as the intent is for the listener to smile when they hear it. Another solid album.