This young and highly artistic duo from Budapest have taken the major step of leaving behind any notion of being perceived as a one-shot-wonder by releasing their sophomore album, much to the progressive community’s joy. Having met both Dominique and Daniel in the fall of 2024, they forcefully expressed their desire to continue forging ahead with their craft, and now we have the result in hand, a fantastic sequel to 2023 “One Man’s Grief”, which by all accounts made quite the splash upon release, drawing a cascade of glowing reviews globally. Once again, the cover art is astonishing in that it really conveys the atmosphere of their musical style, a dreamy prog-rock with an abundance of details, (one has to just read the song titles to get the picture), perhaps closer to the Lunatic Soul project in many ways but heavily leaning on various original influences, as Hungary has always had a very vibrant classical, folk, jazz, rock and prog history, as geography dictates it living at a crossroads of various cultures. They have clearly written down some of their respective dreams, many composers finding inspiration just before golden slumbers kick in, or when the morning sun caresses them back to eventual activity.Proof is often found in the goulash, as the opener “Stillness” is an out and out classical interpretation, with a valiant string elevation that vanishes into a few desolate piano notes, as if immeasurable fatigue suddenly set in. An ideal set up for the more intricate “Moonlight Lullaby “ where Daniel and Dominique get to stretch out the sonic canvas, in a quasi-cinematographic methodology, ramping up the evolving anguish until the cradle song morphs into a muscular variation that awakens the introspective self, as Daniel cups the microphone with an ever so soothing voice. A memorable tour de force.
The sunlight can be brutal as well, as the sweltering heat has the ability to numb the senses and thus, the exquisite “Daymare” is quite the possibility, a softly hushed voice and a soporific lilt can urgently induce some of wildest thoughts, as best expressed by a blistering lead guitar solo from Frigyes Samuel Racz that raises the goose bumps, and a kaleidoscope of ensuing sensations. Though it may seem mellow at first, the anxiety remains palpable throughout, a sensational track that has already garnered airplay.
The misty title track keeps the onus on the swirling effect-laden guitar lines, like a string of ink drops on a parchment, surely recalling a grief-stricken event, perhaps even One Man’s Grief reloaded. But the swoon quickly dissipates into an electric frazzle of robotic noises and mechanical shudders, where echoing pings embrace somber pongs, and the dual shivering guitars merge with unadulterated venom, only to fall back into an abyss of filigree and shadow. This never-ending leitmotiv between extremes is a hallmark feature of this band, a trait they excel at, keeping the energy always channeled and yet unpredictable. The infusion of modern electronic effects comes as an added attraction.
Franz (Ferenc) Liszt would be proud of the solemn piano introduction on the expressive “Remnant of Rain”, another tacit nod to the Magyar tradition of younger musicians enjoying their heritage and keeping it alive within a modern context. A masterful etude that emanates from the soul.
The segue into the otherwise alluring “Reverie” comes as no surprise , as the listener is surely conquered by now, seduced by all the gorgeous notes played and sung by this most dynamic duo. Daniel certainly has a special vocal gift, his velvety tone flush with regret, and his bass playing is up-front and center, where it gets all the deserving attention, while Dominique unleashes coiling guitar phrasings that convert the sounds into fantasies of the pained mind. Immensely seductive music that never wishes to let go, desperate for some eventual resolution. The synth finale is enough to make one kneel down and show utter reverence. Exceptional contemplative progressive rock of the very highest order, with hearty helpings of glittering sheen, as the melodies they create are truly world class.
The mournful “Hope /Regret” is probably most synonymous with the stubborn Magyar spirit, a culture that deeply respects both its children and the elders, and yet, are fully able to channel all the benefits and drawbacks of life, resolute nevertheless when right, even willing to face the music when wrong. “Dream /Awake” keeps the atmosphere serene, the gentle percussive programming ushering along the glorious synthesizer string barrage, a slithering electric guitar foray recalling the venerable contrast we all live in, day in and day out, inevitably so. The resonating e-piano creates wondrous images that gets the morning kettle boiling, as one rises from the comfort of rest, ready to face a new dawn and a rejuvenated day.
One of nature’s most astonishing occurrences, frightful for some, inspiring for others “Corridors of Fog” has this writer in the second category, I find mist mysterious (word play again) and intriguing , but when the duo inject a progressive arrangement into the cold slow moving aural wind, one can feel the effects into the deepest recesses of the body, especially when backed by an ever evolving swirl of incandescent guitar and darkening keyboards. The electronic element is always present, and they do a bang-up job keeping the listener either hypnotized or at the very least, entranced. When the grizzly guitars combine to thrash momentarily, the intricate collision lasts only enough for a smile of admiration. A Hackett-inspired guitar line slices briefly through the vapor, before another blast of windswept guitars sum up the opaque scenario.
Acoustic guitar arrives most welcome on the insanely poignant “Ashes Drift Apart “, a soothing medieval meets electronic conflict that works wonders because the melody and mood are top notch. When my beloved father was alive , I thought of him regularly but since he passed away, it has become a daily recollection that brings out all the love we had for each other. Yes, every single day, without fail. The reverential synthesizers, the respectful guitars and the adoring pace keep the flame alive. Like long piano goodbyes to the departed loved ones, the fire burns eternally. A vocal ending only provides words to the music. A track I hope will play at my funeral.
As I write this review, the flakes are falling on freezing Montreal, as winter has made its yearly presence felt and with “The Snow” , one can settle into the warmth of a comfortable home, a warm bed, plenty of food in the refrigerator and mounds of music to keep the mind at peace. Life is good if you want it to be so.
Easily among the top albums of 2025, surely to be celebrated by the prog fans , looking for a life-long musical companion. Masterpiece!
5 living symbols