I love it when the boss sends me these samplers. You get to experience several bands in one fell swoop. Although this can sometimes backfire, in the case of Periferic’s 2003 sampler, it was a pure delight. This is my first exposure to this label and already 3 of the bands on this sampler will be added to my ‘must get’ list.
As with other samplers I’ve reviewed in the past, I believe the best way to convey the music on this disc is to do a song-by-song breakdown, in order to give each band it’s due.
Track 1-FUGATO- Neander-variations I-II 8:48
Possibly the best track on the disc. A highly symphonic opus with horns and full string arrangements, though dominated by superb piano playing. The song flows through many moods as it carries the listener along. A band to watch out for ( disc not yet released at time of review).
Track 2- MUSICAL WITCHCRAFT- Utopia From The City 5:07
Another symphonic gem. Acoustic guitar and flute dominate. This band has a more ‘rock’ approach than FUGATO. High point of the track is the tremendous organ/guitar interplay in the middle portion of the song.
Track 3- FOLK IVAN- Cheater 5:23
Modern sounding track with programmed drums, synthesizers, and guitars over a funky bass line. I believe this project to be a ‘one man band’. Interesting but not overly exciting.
Track 4- HEJU- Lost Ways 3:57
Techno drenched track mixed with some New Age flavourings. In a similar vein to Gandalf or Kitaro.
Track 5- HOLY LAMB- Markhatram and the Law Brotherhood I-II-III 5:40
Appears to be an excerpt from a concept record. The vocal harmonizing sounds comical at first ( esp. When the different characters interact) but you get used to it rather quickly. Reminiscent of the early ‘90’s British Neo outfits like Red Jasper
Track 6- VARGA JANOS PROJECT- the Released Spirit 6:00
Great prog fusion number! Mr Varga is a gifted axeman and his interplay with the keyboard player in the middle section reminds this reviewer of the lethal Beck/Hammer combination circa Wired. Mr Varga saves the best for last as his bluesy guitar solo/outro is just fantastic. (less is more baby!)
Track 7- ECLIPSE- Pictures Of A City
Remake of the great King Crimson track. This version has been beefed up with heavy metal-like vocals and grungy guitar overtones. Fairly solid rendition.
Track 8- MINDFLOWERS- Why Not ? 5:07
Hard fusion number where chops are at the forefront. At times stealing a page or two from the Dream Theater instrumentals workbook..
Track 9- INKABB HOLNAP- Without Harmony 6:11
‘70’s sounding symphonic progressive with prodigious piano passages and searing fuzzy guitar leads. Tight arrangements keep the track moving at a brisk pace.
Track 10- D SOUND- Blues 2000 4:40
Only song that could be labeled as a ballad on this sampler. It is also the only one sung in Hungarian. Uneventful track which I find to be a strange choice for a sampler of this magnitude. I wonder if it’s really representative of this band’s repertoire. Probably the weakest track on this disc.
A mixed bag of styles are presented here, but on the whole, most of these bands can hold their heads up high. I don’t know what they’re putting in the water in Hungary, but this country seems to be a hotbed of great music and musicians. In an age where many labels seem to have problems signing a handful of decent acts, Perifieric have a veritable cornucopia of great new talent to share with the world.

Yves Dube