Progressive/Gothic/Neo-Classical sextet DREAMGRAVE formed in Hungary in 2007. The band released a Demo in 2009, but with their new line-up they presented their first full-length "Presentiment" in 2014. The band just released their new EP here titled "Monuments," which contains three new tracks.

"Drop the Curtain" is the opening song. Maria's sweet clean vocals are dreamy sounding, over a soft bed of bass and acoustical guitars. Violin enters soon thereafter, and you can feel the pieces coming together, building a warm glow inside you. The vocals then turn into a duet as Dömötör Gyimesi lays down a memorable guitar solo, followed by a keyboard solo from János Mayer. As far as a genre style, it truly does blend several of them. "Monuments" then swings in with a groovy rhythm from bass guitar, and we hear male harsh vocals for the first time. It has such a free-flowing sound that you can pick up on some Jazz elements here and there. The old school keyboard style harkens back a bit to some of the Prog giants that first existed. Sometimes I hear influence from bands like HAKEN and KARNIVOOL, though they really have their own unique sound as well, especially when considering the sparse use of harsh vocals so they make an immediate mark due to not being overdone.

They aren't afraid to take roads less traveled either, but keep the compass pointed forward at the same time. When it comes to the final track, "The Passing Faith in Others," you will hear what I mean. It opens on the bright side, with ethereal vocals and minimal instrumentation, but then violin leads the charge. I really like the distinguished bass guitar notes here as well. Péter Gilián holds down a jovial bottom end with his progressions and really established the method of where the track is going. One of the instrumental sections blend drums, keys, bass and guitars into a punchy rhythm where you can hear a seasoned prowess of musicians who are able to work in perfect unison. Like good Classical music, there are many sort of mini-movements in the song that offer you a chance to enjoy something different each time there is a segue. The ending sequence is absolutely alluring.

If you stare at the amazing cover art for this EP, the songs begin to take on a life of their own, in three dimensions. The bright hues of purple and pink are regal colors, reserved for sunsets that are rare to see. Dancing lights leading to the massive structure in the middle that tower above the clouds are the points on a map that guide you on your way. Even for a relatively short EP, the journey is transcending. You will fall in love with the charm and beauty of "Monuments."