DE PROFUNDIS

Diverse artistic preferences tend to fragment this album. After Crying appears to be more than one band as the immense talents of both the keyboard (VEDRES) and the cello (PEJTSIK) player's tend to alternately dominate. Whilst the music is generally excellent, there is little cohesion between the tracks (read none). It's best approached as a kaleidoscope of different styles that the band is eminently comfortable with.

Their music shows respect to Zappa, ELP. King Crimson (even John Wetton guested at some stage). Mature, often dark whilst lively at other times representing a bag of pleasant surprises in no particular order. Well, I am not adverse to that and in my books this album would qualify for a 5 - especially for the unique approach on the cello, that is one of a kind and deserving wider recognition.

My only gripe is about the lead singer and it applies to all AC albums. His presence is a blot on the landscape and seriously undermines the otherwise excellent compositions. That's is in deep contrast with the odd, hauntingly beautiful, Gregorian inspired tune performed by the others!

In AC's works, the vocals alternate between Hungarian and English and whilst I speak both languages, it's of little help as the end result remains a dreadful experience to my ears. Even the lyrics are drenched in deep depression - something that is generally seen as a typical Hungarian pastime. Brrrrr!

Consequently, the presence of the singer - not mentioning his perceived self-importance on stage - seriously undermines the quality of the material, this I conveyed to the band via email before.

I am scratching my head. Without the singer, or even with a better one, AC would feature amongst my favourite bands and most of their releases would qualify for a 5. With the singer practically ruining my enjoyment and compelling me to skip tracks with his presence, it's barely a 3. A real pity, but thankfully, there is almost enough material on this long album without him to make up for an average length LP, so 4 stars seem to be appropriate. A typical case where less would have been more.