ODYSSEY 9999

The most recent album by TRK project is another which is inspired by a classic literary tale. This time it is Homer's 'Odyssey' although it has been transformed in time and place, as after having conquered Planet Troy, Captain Odysseus sets out on a long journey to his native planet Ithaca to see Penelope, his beloved wife, and the eight tracks depict that journey. Ryszard continues to blur the musical lines between TRK Project, Framauro and Millenium as while he (keyboards, acoustic & electric guitars) is again joined by Marcin Kruczek (guitars, also Framauro) and Krzysztof Wyrwa (bass, fretless, Millenium, Framauro), drummer Grzegorz Fieber (Framauro) only plays on half the tracks, with his place on the other four taken by Grzegorz Bauer (Millenium). If that was not enough, Piotr Płonka (Millenium) provides guitar solos on two songs, while newest Millenium member Łukasz Płatek (saxophone) also contributes to two songs. This time around we have four singers, each taking the lead on two songs, and while current Millenium singer David Lewandowski is not here this time, we have both Marek Smelkowski and Łukasz Gałęziowski, the two previous lead vocalists. The other two singers are Anna Batko (Albion/Hipgnosis) and Stu Nicholson (Galahad) who neatly bookmarks this release, providing vocals on both the opening and closing track.

It must be difficult for Ryszard to work out what he wants to release under which banner, as there is no doubt he is incredibly prolific. The debut TRK Project album was released in 2017 and this is the seventh, there have been seven from Millenium in the same period, but only three from Framauro. Most bands have issues with releasing a single album in that period, let alone 17, most of which feature the same core of musicians. He has been working with Łukasz for more than 20 years, and knows what to write to get the best out of his vocals, while he has also spent considerable time with Marek as well, while Anna has been around the Polish scene for decades (I remember reviewing Albion's debut back in '94). I find it strange that Stu has not undertaken more guest work as he has continually proved himself to be one of our finest prog singers, and I did not realise he was on this album until I put it on and spotted him immediately as he has one of the most recognisable voices in progdom.

The arrangements are nicely layered, not too complex, and make for a Neo album which is thoroughly enjoyable while never getting too deep. This is an easy album to listen to, while never becoming easy listening. It feels as if solidly belongs right in the middle of the sub-genre, and if you enjoy that style of music this will be right up your street as it is never challenging but instead is something to easily lose oneself inside.