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Lunatic Soul: II

Progressive Rock

3.5/5.0

Kscope Records
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by Craig Hartranft,  01.17.2011

Mariusz Duda, the lead vocalist for Poland's progressive rock band Riverside, returns to his Lunatic Soul project with II. Fans will recognize that the cover is actually a negative image of the first album. Duda confessed of the first enterprise that Lunatic Soul is "a double album divided into two single ones by the period of two years' anticipation." Therefore, the story of a journey into the afterworld, better a world in between this life and the next, continues.

If you're familiar with post-progressive rock visions of Riverside, then imagine those visions even more diverse and experimental. Duda relies on elements ranging curious polyrhythms to ambient atmosphere to oriental motifs to create musical tapestries that near contemplative or meditative quality. You can hear many of these elements within on Otherwhere, Escape from Paradice, and Gravestone Hill. Mostly, the music of II is refreshingly original and creative, but not necessarily that accessible. It takes patience and the willingness to explore beyond the boundaries of conventional prog rock to truly enjoy Duda's imaginations. There's nothing here that's necessarily uplifting or gregarious. Rather, II is more provocative and sometimes disturbing. With the overarching ambient nature, II can also fall into the background becoming nothing more than meaningless and convenient muzak for a New Age shop.

Nevertheless, if you enjoyed Duda's first edition of Lunatic Soul, the journey continues and you'll love II. It's challenging music requiring attention and patience, but you will be rewarded. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

If you enjoyed Duda's first edition of Lunatic Soul, the journey continues and you'll love II. It's challenging music requiring attention and patience, but you will be rewarded. Recommended.

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