ENDLESS LUNATIC

"Endless Lunatic" has been a valued part of my collection for a few years now. While it sounds nothing like "Round Midnight" by MOONGARDEN it does give me the same feelings.There's something about the melancholic vocals and atmosphere that makes me feel like i'm home. Hard to describe really but even thinking about those two albums makes me want to play them, just for that feeling. I've never read anywhere that this Polish band named themselves after the RIVERSIDE song "After..." I just assumed it. Check out the two guests on the final track "Kite", a 10 1/2 minute instrumental. The legendary Jozef Skrzek on keyboards from SBB, and Colin Bass on bass of course from CAMEL.

"Closed Shame" is such a great opening track with that melancholic atmosphere to open with flute from guest Jacek Zasada (QUIDAM). Guitar before a minute as we get some heaviness. The tempo picks up as it kicks in. Nice. Strummed guitar then vocals before 2 1/2 minutes as the sound changes completely.This is amazing ! A haunting calm after 4 minutes then it kicks back in with guitar out in front. "Away" opens with bass and an eerie guitar line. Drums join in then reserved vocals. It kicks in on the chorus. Keyboards arrive as it settles. Contrasts continue. "Between Shadows" opens with strummed guitar as bass joins in then a full sound. It settles some when the vocals arrive. Great chorus on this one, it's so uplifting. Tasteful guitar before 3 minutes that ends after 4 minutes when the vocals and a PORCUPINE TREE-like atmosphere takes over. It kicks back in and it's so emotional as he cries "After night time is over".

"Wonderful Mistake" is the song that hooked me on this band. A drop dead gorgeous track. Orchestral keys and a sound that's so rich and lush. Very atmospheric. "I Wounded" features keyboards and reserved vocals. "Dreams Hang On Walls" has a brighter mood to it. Different sounds come and go. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. The chorus is catchy and powerful. Melancholic guitar 2 minutes in and flute a minute later. It then kicks in. Great sound. "Spiders" is a SYSTEM OF A DOWN song that they cover. Sad keys to open as drums, bass then vocals join in. It kicks in before 2 1/2 minutes with some killer guitar. Then it settles right down after 3 minutes. "Cleaning From Scars" features those orchestral keys with guitar as drums and vocals join in quickly. Great instrumental sound after 4 minutes. "Kite" is the longest track and the only instrumental. Love the dark atmosphere to open. It turns heavy 2 1/2 mintes in. Incredible ! Check out the bass ! Go Colin ! It settles around 4 minutes. Guitar comes to the fore 5 1/2 minutes in soloing tastefuly. Atmosphere with people talking in the background take over.The keys are back after 8 minutes.

4.5 stars for this beauty. The next time I want a band added here i'll just ask Phideaux to do it.Thanks Phideaux !

I have mixed feeling in regards to this album. I like the overall mood but I also find it a little bland. This CD has a promising start with an initial 2 minutes instrumental that is interesting with some flute in it. Then vocals kick in and it settles into the rest of the first song which I find "average" overall.

The first few songs are in the same vein. Not truly really bad, but they don't shine either. It takes a while before we get into the more interesting part of the album. It also takes a while to adjust to the vocals, which I am not very impressed with. Wondered what it would have sounded like if one of the songs was done in Polish? If the overall atmosphere of the album is ok, I found the sound and production lacking clarity.

Things start to get interesting at track 5 and following. "I wounded" stands out by just having more emotional vocals along some nice piano. "Dreams Hangs on Wall" is the best one here with the flute accents and seems more progressive. "Cleaning From Scars" is a little heavier and the guitars more present. This song is one of the best of this album. Hopefully future release will be more in line with this musical direction.

There is also an interesting cover of the song "Spiders" from System of a Down, obviously toned down. It has some merits, but as with many covers, I still prefer the original. I just wanted to dig down my System of a Down CD and play it instead. So consider this, this cover is one of the highlight of this album. Need I say more?

A decent effort from that band, but I find it a little bland. Sometimes I have the impression to get just more of the same and get distracted from the music. It feels like good background music, no more no less. There are some signs of potential. However, I need to get excited a little more to give it 3 stars. 2 Stars plus.