OVERGROUND MUSIC

My CD collection is not that huge, but not that small either, I've got around 500 titles on the shelf (by July 2013). When you have a considerable amount of CDs (LPs) it is very common that you overlook some titles. That's just what happened with the first After Crying album.

I have had Overground Music (1990) for 4 years now and I couldn't remember details about it. Because of this I decided to re-run over my collection and mini-review everything.

After Crying is a Hungarian ensemble that is just unique. Brilliantly unique!

This 'band' (if you can call them a band) is not an ordinary every day Prog, no, they're different. To begin with, their lineup: Csaba Vedres (vocals and piano), Péter Pejtsik (vocals and cello), Kristóf Fogolyán (flute), Zsolt Maroevich (viola). On this album also played Judit Andrejszki (vocals), Pál Makovecz (trombone), Ottó Rácz (oboe), Aladár Tüske (bassoon) and Balázs Winkler (trumpets). Can you see your everyday Prog? No! Cause it isn't!

Each classical instrument takes the role of the electric ones with superb results. Like in the Jazz Club feeling of 'European Things (Hommage à Frank Zappa)'. They also have 2 vocalists, which is the fact that always amused me. Csaba is the main one while Péter gives his unique interpretation to the 'ballads' 'Don't Betray Me' and 'Madrigal Love Part One'. You've got to love their heavy accents, it gives After Crying's music an unique charm.

I really can't find any weak track on Overground Music (1990). Even the silly 'Madigral Love Part Free' has its role.

My thought after listening Overground Music (1990) is that After Crying IS Prog! I mean, many times you listen to a Prog album that has less Progresive Music than in one of the songs of this guys. After Crying is more Prog than 95% of the Prog Metal bands, for example.

Overground Music (1990) is gorgeous, hypnotic, with intriguing lyrics, beautiful and above all? unique! Essential!

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