OVERGROUND MUSIC

Every AFTER CRYING album I have seems to sound different from the next one even though we always get that classical vibe with cello, viola, bassoon, trombone, trumpet, aboe and flute. Add bass, synths and piano along with vocals and there you have it. No guitar or percussion here makes this sort of unique i'd say. This is different from the rest of their recordings for a couple of reasons. First the vocals are in English instead of their native toungue (Hungarian) like the following albums, and there is this humour that brings Canterbury to mind at times with the lighter vocals. I thought of WIGWAM at times as well. Check out the title of this album "Overground Music" instead of a popular term "Underground Music".

The first track "European Things" is a tribute to Frank Zappa. It's light and classical sounding with piano and strings standing out.The male vocals remind me of WIGWAM. Flute before 3 minutes followed by female vocal melodies. Piano and flute lead late as well. "Don't Betray Me" features male vocals,piano and aboe but we do get horns joining in as well. "Confess Your Beauty" opens with fast paced piano and vocals.The vocals get pretty passionate from time to time. Flute and strings come and go. I really like the strings after 3 minutes. Piano and bass take over 4 1/2 minutes in.

"Madrigal Love Part One" is a short vocal/piano piece. "...To Black..." features more vocals and piano but aboe, strings and other sounds help out here. Horns before 2 1/2 minutes. "Madrigal Love Part Two (Over Every Sea)" is more uptempo with vocals and piano. Some brief horns after a minute then female vocals before 2 minutes. Male vocals return later. "Madrigal Love Part Free" is quite jazzy to start but it changes quickly. "Shining (...To The Powers Of Fairyland)" has this heavier than usual opening then it turns pastoral with female vocals. Piano and strings only before 3 minutes. Aboe after 4 minutes in a beautiful section. Female vocals are back 6 minutes in. That opening heavier sound is back after 8 1/2 minutes.

It took a while but I do really like this. It's challenging yet whimsical, complex yet humerous.The vocals take some abuse from reviewers but for me it's part of the charm.