KOMFORT

Another space-psych band from Hungary, and like countrymen Korai Öröm they have moved away from their rockist roots towards a techno based sound. But, while Korai Öröm are still a space-psych band with techno beats, Colorstar have become a techno-pop band with space-psych overtones where melody is a major element. If approached with that in mind, then this is a very enjoyable album, full of infectious synthesized beats, catchy tunes and memorable vocals which often drift away into something else - often trippy psych guitar, but there is some funk in there too with the occasional extended solo or rhythmic work-out.

Most tracks are securely founded in synths, samples and sequencers, with some acoustic percussion. Electric guitar is used mostly as a rhythm instrument though there is an occasional riff like in the excellent title track which really takes off in its later stages when the guitar joins the fray. All tracks are of medium length, mostly relying on beats and tunes to carry them through rather than any overt Prog tendencies. The exception is the finale - the creepy Fragrance - a progressive song featuring an evocative languid mood with lots of spacey synths [and a Farfisa?], a distinct Arabian flavour, and wonderful driving beat just after half distance.

The album is at its best when the band switch into overdrive [Komfort, Another Day and Fragrance] or when they produce a memorable melody [Light Up The Stars]. Oh, and just when you have settled comfortably into the prevailing mood, they go and mix things up a little with a pounding bass/drums/guitar combo powering the bouncy Rollerskate. I guess that's why I love this album. I may know little about techno or dance, but these guys have developed an intelligent hybrid that satisfies on many levels. Overall, not as out-and-out space-psych as some of their peers, but a very rewarding experience and worth seeking out.

'Komfort' offers much comfort for people who like to enter the dancefloor and want to break sweat. Very funky and sometimes triphop, even house bordering. Modern synthy/electronic elements are coupled with disco like alienated vocals and backed by groovy drums and bass which are responsible for an enormous drive. The high pressure drum work is remarkable but also something to argue about - is it hypnotic or only plain with intent? On the other hand the guitar appearance and some synthesizer output is refering to the psych/space origin by all means. All in all it sounds like the band experimented a lot to combine retro and modern elements to something new.

The title track is an example for that. Some spacey synth patterns, psychedelic guitars and samples are backed by drums with a simple techno/house beat. Ambivalent - it takes some rounds for getting used to. Light Up the Stars in contrast is a simple radio/disco-friendly track which cannot convince a prog fan. The contrary album opener Falling pleases me though. Basically an excellent combination of groovy and spacey elements more working in the vein of Korai Öröm or the old ColorStar sound. Great straightforward drums, with electronical help in the more floating middle section. Even the vocals are suitable here. The rest of the songs are basically house beat driven spiked with some psych and space elements. Only One More Slip differs because provided with diversified beats and the floating trippy song Fragrance which has a native touch.

'Komfort' is unusual - experimental and not always successful. Taking prog standards as the criterion they are passing the line here predominantly. First I was willing to condemn this one completely and it definetely took some time for me to get to the bottom of it and to filter the prog ingredients - 2.5 stars.

I must say that Colorstar is probably my favorite Hungarian group at the moment, thoroughly entranced by previous albums "Heavenicetrip" (a classic in my opinion) and "Via la Musica", its prog content is sometimes questioned but their mix of organic electronica with strong bass and real drums is a concoction I happen to enjoy. Their concerts in Hungary are well received and provide a strong platform for Hungarian prog to continue to flourish. "Komfort" veers deeper into synth-led environments where the collapsing guitars jumble furiously with the manic rhythms, creating a dense web of sound that would appeal to a wide variety of fans, anywhere from Trey Gunn-era King Crimson, Kraftwerk , fellow compatriots Korai Öröm (all Ks!). It will also please the electro trance crowd because you can actually dance to this also. The groove is intense, all vocals are in English (at times vocodered), the rhythmic weaving intricate and ever evolving, spiced with all kinds of sonic effects but always pied-pipered by the guitar/bass combination. The tracks are all note worthy, each different in its own way, with an assortment of themes and beats that keep the enjoyment alive and kicking, swirling and oozing appropriately. A track by track rundown is uncalled for as all the pieces have their own identity while still firmly ensconced in their forever evolving style. The dual dueling guitars of Péter Szalay and András Keleti still rule the roost with solid drummer Zoltán Farkas pounding mercilessly. New members are no slouches: the über-electronics are handled by Márton Szinovszki and he is utterly convincing while the rumbling bass is now handled by Csaba Bese.

Admittedly not everyone's cup of tea but isn't that what makes prog so grand , a massive buffet of sumptuous sounds all catering to one's individual tastes and preferences. The production and sound are astoundingly clear and concise as is always the case with Hungarian recordings, a long standing tradition in this country. This should be perceived more like party (read =FUN) music than your serious ultra-snotty musical audition. The idea is enjoyment after all and Colorstar will definitely fit your bill, as they are both creative and original, blurring that fine line between Psychedelic, Space and Electronica.

4.5 Komfort Zones