OVERGROUND MUSIC

Ahh Overground Music; I accidentally stumbled upon this great band around half a year ago not knowing anything about them. At the time I was getting into newer symphonic prog, and Overground was the highest rated on the site. I had no idea this one would become to one of my favorite albums, but now I've said repeatedly that this is one of the few albums in my collection that transcends even most masterpieces. This is probably one of the most listened-to albums in my collection but there's just so much going on in here that I never tire of it.

From the beginning to the end there isn't a dull moment I can think of. This is very progressive music. Lots of classical influence, but they still manage to create a sound and atmosphere of their own. The eclectic use of instruments always keeps me on edge. From the great opener European Things (Hommage a Frank Zappa), a song that would surely earn the approval of the man himself, you can tell you're in for quite a ride. The song is constantly changing pace and melody, yet manages to always sound fresh and upbeat throughout the 9 minutes.

Their laid-back songs such as Don't Betray Me and ...to Black... sounds just as good as their more upbeat side. And remains just as progressive. Even in the 3 minute Don't Betray Me there's a lot going on. Confess Your Beauty is simply amazing, the song is so well written and ohhh that wonderful cello... The Madrigal Love trilogy works great as a whole. I especially love part 2, which makes great use of the trumpets. Part 3 has an interesting jazzy-swing feel to it, which even at under a minute always catches my ear. The Shining is another magnificent one, and is as great a closer as European Things is an opener. It seamlessly changes from ethereal to beautiful, many times encompassing both. The very end of the song has some great inspiring trumpets for a perfect close to a perfect album.

I can't review this album without mentioning the amazing playing of trained classical pianist Vedres Csaba (who regrettably left the band a few years and albums later). His upbeat playing often sounds like two separate people playing simultaneously. Without a doubt it is the glue that holds the rest of the band together, as there's nearly always no percussion section. Its almost always there, and always fresh and entertaining. Though it doesn't come close to undermining the rest of the band, the playing and solos throughout are always fantastic no matter where they're coming from.

The album has a lot of strengths, really all one could ask for. Great progressive songwriting, atmosphere, and equally good musicianship. The reason I think its so underrated is because of the vocals. At first listening they seem almost out of place. The forced English sounds strange at times, the band eventually fixed this by returning to Hungarian vocals though. Even so, these vocals grew on me profoundly. I realized its a very unique voice, and in my opinion it works well with the music. Now when I listen it contributes to the all around atmosphere. I think if looked at from that perspective people will enjoy this album as much as I do...immensely!

Recommended to any fans of symphonic prog/art rock, as well as fusion fans (especially fans of those fusion bands with a classical element).