Iluzjon - Silent Andromeda

This 2009 release was the third from Polish band Iluzjon, and saw them with a four-man line-up for the first time. Grzegorz Nowak (drums) and Michal Dziadosz (keyboards/vocals) had been joined for the second album by guitarist Slawomir Jaros after the departure of bassist/guitarist Paul Sierakowski, by now they had brought on board March Drumew (bass/stick). The addition of Marcin enabled the band to move more fully into the King Crimson style of prog that they were experimenting with on the debut, as his presence certainly adds some fluidity and presence to the overall sound. The vocals are clear, and there is plenty of space within the music for everyone to play their part, so even though Michal can be singing sweetly against his gentle held-down chords, the other three can be playing all around and over the theme. That they are all good musicians is never in doubt, but the songs themselves aren’t always as powerful and intense as they could be, although they do have their moments. The result is an album that is both enjoyable and disposable at the same time. I just wish that they had allowed themselves to push the music to the edge, as there are too many times when it is just too pleasant, too restrained. It is interesting music to play in the background, but for me that it is all that it will ever be.