LUCID MOMENTS

Combining the psychobabble of a mentally ill patient and his doctors with finger-tapping guitar stylings, an accordion, and a rhythm section that sounds like countrymates RIVERSIDE makes for an interesting and often beautiful ride. It is unfortunate that some of the album's best songs are rendered unplayable to the public because of the use of profanity by the psychologically challenged story 'character.' Guitarist Adam Hajzer is quite talented in his use of finger tapping techniques. The bass and drums are quite solid together, giving the music that powerful RIVERSIDE feel. The vocalist reminds me so much of BELIEVE's original lead vocalist, Tomek Rozcki. The story being told is quite interesting and entertaining if times a bit awkward because of the accented English. (Shouldn't this angry man be spouting his vitriole in his native tongue?) But my favorite part of the music--and what makes this a highly recommended album from 2011--is the brilliant incorporation of accordion. I just wish there was more!

Favorite tracks: the opener, "Dependent," (6:06) (8/10) which begins like a trip through a JOHN MARTYN or STANLEY JORDAN guitar piece, but then builds behind the brilliant accordion and dramatic bass and drums play; #4 "Lucid Moments" (6:35) (9/10) in which the accordion has some wonderful moments key and central to the music and the lead guitar shows some of his OMAR RODRIGUEZ-LOPEZ licks; #7 "Cabin Fever" (6:35) (8/10) which begins with some great sensitive accordion play before building into a powerful song with awesome guitar leads and vocal lines, albeit violent, and; the album's finale, "Dr. Freeman" (5:21) (8/10) which has some beautiful solo electric guitar work accompanying most of the song's first half in which a recorded dialogue between a psychiatrist and his patient is playing. The frenzied final ninety seconds is highlighted once again by some excellent aggressive lead guitar work in the TMV/OR-L style.

Overall quite an enjoyable listen but one that leaves me wanting so much more from the accordion!

Good four star album recommended especially to fans of RIVERSIDE, VOTUM, RETROSPECTIVE and other Polish prog rockers.