OVERGROUND MUSIC

This debut album from Hungary must be heard to be believed--so rich and mature are its constructs and performances. Steeped in classical training and traditions, the band also shows the influences of Phase Two King Crimson, Keith Emerson, Frank Zappa, big band-era jazz, as well as Hungarian folk and "Minimalist" classical traditions. The heavily accented (though surprisingly similar to John Wetton) male vocals are often derided and criticized, but, if you can get past this, the music here is quite heavenly. Plus, the female vocals (as rendered by Judit Andrejszki) are sublime and quite top notch/professional. But it's the unusual piano-strings-&-brass/woodwinds uses that really make this album--and this group--stand out from all other music being done at the time (or maybe of all time). Complicated symphonic structures within a rock (though some question its "rock" foundations--quite justifiably as there is little drum-and-bass rhythm foundation and guitars are totally absent) format. Quite remarkable.

I repeat: This is a debut album! I can think of few if any debut albums that have this kind of maturity of composition and performance (Hybris?) Too much is demerited for the heavily accented voices of the male vocalists--especially since one has a voice remarkable for its similarity to that of legend JOHN WETTON. Balance that with the virtuosic voice of female singer Judit Andrejszki, and the virtuosic play from all of the other instrumentalists but then add the fact that this music is deeply engaging, often amusing, and incredibly creative in its conception and I cannot conclude anything other than I am listening to the fully realized work of master music makers. If you disagree, then I challenge you: You try to perform it!

There is a valid issue raised with respect to this music's inclusion into the "rock" world: There are no guitars and very little bass-and-drum rhythm. But then, where does it belong? Jazz? Avant-garde? Post Rock? Neo-classical?

1. European Things (Hommage À Frank Zappa) (8:27) 2. Don't Betray Me (3:02) 3. Confess Your Beauty (6:50) 4. Madrigal Love Part One (2:14) 5. ...To Black... (5:05) 6. Madrigal Love Part Two (Over Every Sea) (3:00) 7. Madigral Love Part Free (0:51) 8. Shining (...To The Powers Of Fairyland) (10:44)

Total Time: 40:13

Favorite selections: the "Madrigal Love" series (22:02) especially the 11-minute "Shining (...to the Powers of Fairyland)" (10:45) (19/20) = 9.5 finale; the gorgeous piano playing and John Wetton voice stylings of "Confess Your Beauty" (6:53) (13.5/15), and; the Crimsonesque opener, "European Things" (8:28 (17/20).

Also, as a gift to the world in a period virtually bereft of quality symphonic "rock" music, this stands out. Brave, impassioned, and unusual. To this day. It is one for the ages. An inspiring reminder to those listening in 1990 (and listening still): "This is what music can do!!"