OVERGROUND MUSIC

What I don't understand is where the rock factor comes in. No staples of rock music exist anywhere: There is absolutely no guitar in any form, and with one small exception, no drums or percussion at any point Mainly this is exquisite piano music with jazz sensibilities, classical instruments on top, and horrendous vocals to ruin everything. I would have enjoyed this more had the native language been sung (even if I could not understand it).

"European Things (Hommage à Frank Zappa)" While the piano playing is magnificent, the composition is ruined by strange vocals burdened with effects and a loose arrangement. Essentially, the music is jazz with some avant-garde elements sprinkled on top. It would have made a great piano solo piece, but as it is, it's very strange. The symphonic side comes through in fine style toward the end, using more traditional classical instrumentation.

"Don't Betray Me" I don't mean to be insensitive, but as a native speaker (and singer) of English, I can't help but say the Hungarian's singing of English sounds like he is acting in an insulting cabaret show. The instrumentation is sparse, mainly strings and horns, but nothing special. It's a boring song.

"Confess Your Beauty" Again, the vocals are a big turnoff. The piano and flute are very good aspects, however, but it's hard to concentrate on them when the singer has such a thick accent. The strings are the best part of the piece.

"Madrigal Love Part One" Piano and those terribly pronounced vocals are all there is to this short track.

"...to Black..." This is a continuation of the previous track after the wind instrument enters.

"Madrigal Love Part Two (Over Every Sea)" A nice song overall (with decent harmonies), this is the only one to employ any percussion, which consists of a repetitive high hat. The female vocals are a pleasing touch, and I think they would have done well to have had her sing throughout the record.

"Madrigal Part Free" The high hat continues as some more strange vocals and odd jazz bits come through.

"Shining (...to the Powers of Fairyland)" This is what the album should have consisted of. The soft piano and strings are present, but so is a lovely feminine voice. The strings are gorgeous. The arrangement is excellent. But, as I mentioned before, there is nothing remotely rock-related about this song- nothing. The trumpets add a new layer, but it's an out-of-place one. Overall, it's classical music, but at least it's beautiful.