Detailed Reviews [Wojciech Ciuraj - 2019 - "Iskry W Popiele"]

Prolusion. Polish composer and musician Wojciech CIURAJ is perhaps best known for his ten year long in the band Walfad, but for a handful of years now he has been nurturing a solo career as well. He has three albums to his name so far, and a fourth album is about to be released at the time I'm writing these words. The album "Iskry W Popiele" dates back to 2019, and is the second of Ciuraj's solo albums.

Analysis. Polish composer and musician Wojciech CIURAJ is perhaps best known for his ten year long in the band Walfad, but for a handful of years now he has been nurturing a solo career as well. He has three albums to his name so far, and a fourth album is about to be released at the time I'm writing these words. The album "Iskry W Popiele" dates back to 2019, and is the second of Ciuraj's solo albums. Analysis. One of the special facts worth noting about this album is that it is a historical concept album, the first of a planned three albums that explores a significant series of events in Polish history known as the Silesian uprisings. History buffs will obviously take great pleasure in exploring this kind of topic, although this aspect of the album does come with the slight obstacle of the lyrics being in Polish. But as I gather not too many are familiar with the history of Poland, unless they live there or have family there, just reading up on what for many will be an unknown historical event comes with it's own rewards of course. Thankfully this isn't an album dominated by it's concept though. As important as the lyrics will be for the creator, this isn't a case of all the effort being put down into words with the music more of an afterthought. While I cannot state with honesty that these parts are equal in quality, due to lacking certain language skills, I can at least state the music strikes me as solid and well developed throughout. The compositions are by and large a tad careful in nature, with wandering and gentle acoustic guitars and the piano given a lot of space and room throughout, and rather often with violin and cello details in support alongside keyboard textures and synthesizer sounds and effects. At times with something of a singer/songwriter touch to the proceedings, on other occasions with more of a careful, borderline chamber music inspired landscape explored. Layered and expressive keyboard driven passages do transport us into more distinct symphonic progressive rock oriented soundscapes at times though, and dark, Floydian tinged passages also appear from time to time. And while not that often, a bit of occasional grunt from a guitar riff or some fiery guitar solo runs is a part of the totality too. Furthermore, some elements that may possibly refer to folk music and blues appear here and there. Everything is tightly controlled throughout though, and while describing this album as calm and collected isn't really true this isn't a production that will ever invite you to use the word drama either, at least as far as the music is concerned. Several songs do feature parts that are both playful and energetic, and even in the calmer sequences there's usually a nerve that maintains tension quite nicely. But all in all, this isn't an album that will appeal to those fond of music with a more explosive character.

Conclusion. This second solo album of Ciuraj, which is also the first in his planned historical trilogy of concept albums, strikes me as a solid and accomplished production. The Polish lyrics will obviously narrow interest somewhat, but also musically I find this to be quite the interesting and well made creation. Often calm and mellow, but never exclusively so, I'd say that those who enjoy music that incorporate gentle singer/songwriter type of elements with a more careful variety of symphonic progressive rock should have a good chance of enjoying the music provided on this album. For a more specific reference, I wouldn't be all that surprised if fans of late 70's and early 80's Camel might well find this one to be fascinating either.

Progmessor: May 2021
The Rating Room