LUNATIC SOUL

LUNATIC SOUL is the solo project of Mariusz Duda, the singer and bass player for RIVERSIDE. I didn't know he was such a multi-instrumentalist as he plays acoustic guitar, percussion, bass, keyboards, kalimba and effects.This is a concept album where Duda gives us his version of life after death. It's dark, ambient and atmospheric with a World Music vibe. No electric guitar in this one. Duda has stated that ULVER and DEAD CAN DANCE among others were his insprirations. We have the drummer from INDUKTI here, as well as RIVERSIDE's keyboardist. Mr.Meller from QUIDAM plays e-bow on one track. Oh, and it's 47 minutes long, just right.

"Prebirth" is the short instrumental intro track with effects and whispers.This is dark with some trumpet sounds. "The New Beginning" opens with gentle guitar as percussion comes in. It's still dark as flute comes and goes in a haunting way. Vocal melodies are softly sung. We get vocals 2 minutes in which are almost speaking. Very cool track. "Out On A Limb" is my favourite. For the first time you can actually tell it's Duda singing. Love his voice. Guitar plays along as synths join in around a minute. We get the heaviest sound yet on the album 2 minutes in,joined by a steady beat. Drums come pounding in after 3 minutes with synths. It calms right down as we can here this female crying. It's quite emotional and then the drums and synths kick back in. "Summerland" brings CHROMA KEY to mind with the piano and atmosphere. Reserved vocals join in as well. I really like this one.

"Lunatic Soul" opens with keys as acoustic guitar then vocals join in.Very mellow and beautiful. It kicks in after 3 minutes, nice bass. Great sound ! The vocals are passionate before 5 1/2 minutes and we get some Hammond organ too. "Where The Darkness Is Deepest" is an instrumental with lots of effects with some deep bass lines, and keys before 2 minutes. "Near Life Experience" is almost pleasant with drums and some vocals before 2 minutes. Piano follows. "Adrift" opens with strummed guitar as drums then vocals join in. The vocals sound so good here. Gorgeous soundscape 2 minutes in as the e-bow comes in. "The Final Truth" opens with percussion as vocals then organ arrive. Drums 5 minutes in and passionate vocals after 6 minutes. "Waiting For The Dawn" features synths that pulse slowly as sounds come and go including flute. Percussion before 2 1/2 minutes. An atmospheric hum ends it.

Just because your a RIVERSIDE fan doesn't mean you will like this one. This is very different from their style of music. Excellent release.