KORAI ÖRÖM (2005)

While still operating within a spacey-psych arena, the latin-rock backdrop of old has given way to a more modern techno-funky styled foundation on this most recent offering from Hungarian band Korai Öröm. It is a combination that works fantastically well, the bubbling synths and powerful breakbeats skilfully blending with a variety of acoustic instruments in a sophisticated integration of ethnic styles and electronics that is both infectious and stimulating. They never let things slide remotely near the boredom threshold, the groove constantly changing shape and reinventing itself.

Musically, it is more structured than in previous albums. The aimless trippy meandering that pervades much of the band's earlier work has been replaced by a sense of purpose, helped by short vocal passages, some by a lovely breathy female voice, and a variety of vocal sound-bites. Weaknesses are relatively minor nit-picking: perhaps some of the lead guitar runs are less than inspiring; sometimes the focus isn't strong enough [track 7 has a wonderful chirpy beat but sounds like it is a backing track with the vocal missing]; and, after the genius of 8, it ends a little lamely on the unfocussed and somewhat average 9.

Generally, though, these are glorious soundscapes that flow energetically, absorbing a variety of influences and spewing out an exciting hybrid that tickles the intellect while at the same time getting those feet moving. Tracks 2 and 8, both heavily tinged with Indian atmospheres thanks to vocals and sitar, are stunning masterpieces of space-psych as good as it gets, including some high-octane wall-of-sound 'space jammimg'. Overall, a 'must have' for space-psych fans with a penchant for modern beats and plenty of energy. Oh, and the didgeridoo and jaw's harp still get their turn in the spotlight. Highly recommended!

This Hungarian band is famous for their "live" shows and i'm sure there must be people dancing when they play. The music has this modern techno beat as Joolz mentions in his review. And that does bother me a little, just a little though because this is eneretic and quite powerful music. I'm still reminded of OZRIC TENTACLES although this band really employs a lot of musicians, vocalists and some instruments you wouldn't normally associate with this style like trumpet, jews harp, sitar and more. Lots of percussion as well.

No song titles as usual. Song 1 has this atmospheric intro before it kicks in after a minute. It seems to get louder after 3 minutes. This is all about the beat and rhythm. It settles with female vocals before 4 minutes. Song 2 opens with female vocals. Male spoken words come in repeating "You can stop the tunes but don't stop the beat". The female vocals return sounding very ethnic. Male vocals 3 1/2 minutes in and I like the guitar that follows. Excellent tune. Song 3 opens with a U2 The Edge-like guitar melody which I think is an ethnic instrument or keys. A beat comes in and then it gets a little heavy 2 minutes in. That heaviness comes and goes. Not a fan of the male vocals at all.

Song 4 is almost haunting to open until a minute it when it kicks in with a heavy beat. The guitar comes in making some noise. Vocals after 4 1/2 minutes are again poor. It blends into song 5 which has this odd sounding instrument throughout. Song 6 opens with guitar then a beat comes in. Nice bass. Trumpet before 2 1/2 minutes. Male vocals 4 minutes in. Organ late. Song 7 has this beat with trumpet a minute in. Keys come in as well. Song 8 is ethnic sounding with spoken words. It kicks in quickly though. Themes are repeated. Song 9 is the longest at 9 1/2 minutes. Some atmosphere early as spoken words come in followed by a beat.

Good album but it fails to captivate me like their "Live In 2000" record does.