LUNATIC SOUL
"Lunatic Soul"
(K-Scope; 2008)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Riverside frontman Mariusz Duda has set forth with a solo project called Lunatic Soul. This self-titled debut features lush orchestration and haunting soundscapes.
The biggest surprise that “Lunatic Soul” presents is
that there are no electric guitars. Duda uses an electric bass to give weight to
the songs while keyboards, piano, organ, synthesized effects, and acoustic
guitar provide the texture and atmosphere. As such Lunatic Soul is somewhat of a
departure from the typical Riverside sound. As it is with Riverside, Duda’s
voice is unique and impressive – albeit in this environment much more subdued
and nuanced.
Each song on “Lunatic Soul” has shades of light and shadow – testaments to
Duda’s songwriting skill and mood-evoking abilities. Instrumentals like “Where
the Darkness is Deepest” evokes the bass heroics of Tony Levin whereby the pulse
of the bass is like a heart beating. “The Final Truth” blends subtle modern
electronics with an organic keyboard sound that is a unique combination. “Out on
a Limb” is the most Riverside-like song yet the track has momentum that is
filled with exhausting excitement. The twilight-like gloom of “Summerland”
belies the optimistic title and song’s ending.
The sounds, and tone found on “Lunatic Soul” are fairly removed from Riverside
for it lacks the overt drama and heaviness that is typical for any prog-rock
band especially one as good as Riverside. However, I hazard to guess that what
Duda has learned from the Lunatic Soul project may inform his songwriting on the
next Riverside album.
“Lunatic Soul” is a high quality album in which the
three chainsaw rating reflects the rather mellow nature of the disc.
“Lunatic Soul” was produced by Robert Srzednicki and Mariusz Duda.
Lunatic Soul is Mariusz Duda joined by Maciej Szelenbaum, Wawrzyniec Dramowicz,
Michal Lapaj, Maceij Meller, and Anna Maria Buczek.
For more information visit
http://www.lunaticsould.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
18 Mar 2024 13:23:52 -0500.
