LUNATIC SOUL II

As most previous reviewers pointed out already, we're all glad to hear a significant growth for Duda's side-project. The band that Duda gathered around him seems more relaxed and a wide range of influences breathes fresh air through all songs. The mood is still consistently melancholic but the music offers more depth and variation then the previous album, which was close to excellent as well.

For those not familiar with Lunatic Soul, they can be briefly described as a project highlighting the softer and melancholic side of Riverside. There are no distorted guitars or prominent synths in this work, so the acoustic side prevails and reveals influences from world music reminding of both Peter Gabriel and Dead Can Dance.

The album doesn't stray far from the path laid out on the previous Lunatic Soul album but the songwriting seems richer and more diverse, and remains engaging all the way through. A nice and pleasant album, accessible but also growing with repeated listens. Essential for fans of Anathema, Antimatter, No-man, Brandan Perry and similar atmospheric rock.