Hungarian experimental trio Sauropoda have managed a quick follow-up with The Overstory, coming some three years after their 2021 debut, Pangea. The new album marks a clear step forward for the band, showing notable artistic growth and refinement. While Pangea had its strengths, some sections felt slightly unfocused or overly extended. On The Overstory—out now via Blue Sun Records on vinyl and as digital download—however, the trio sounds invigorated and brimming with fresh ideas, channeling this energy into the album’s six thoughtfully constructed tracks.
The album kicks off with “Parallel,” which opens on a bright, cyclical guitar riff from Domokos Krizbai. This jangling motif quickly finds solid footing as the rhythm section, featuring Levente Kocsis on bass and Peter Lukacs on drums. Compared to their previous record, The Overstory places the guitar front and center more prominently, a tonal shift that works to the band’s advantage here. Jazz influences run deep in this track—and indeed, throughout the entire album. The groove is undeniably funky, yet there’s a mellow, contemplative interlude midway through. The piece returns to its opening theme before dissolving into an atmospheric soundscape, wrapping up with an astral fade-out in its final minute.
In “Charon,” the complex, interlocking rhythms from bass and drums take the lead, with the guitar following or echoing them in various configurations. The music moves at an unhurried pace, allowing each shift and progression to be fully savored. Remarkably, this complexity was achieved in a live studio setting without overdubs. The phrase “less is more” feels particularly fitting here, as Sauropoda’s stripped-down approach captures immense tension and subtle anticipation. The Overstory balances a free spirit with a sense of disciplined structure, eschewing solo indulgences for tightly woven instrumentation and abandoning conventional harmonies and 4/4 timing in favor of polyrhythms, tritone tunings, and other unusual musical textures. With these oblique strategies, Sauropoda embark on a carefully charted journey that feels like a gradual ascent toward the event horizon.
Each piece on The Overstory unfolds with precise intent, though initially, the exacting approach may feel cold or detached. However, if you allow yourself to tune in fully, the tightly wound melodies have a way of pulling you into a hypnotic vortex that’s hard to escape. The track “Bugs in the Basement” is a perfect example. Built on a simple, repetitive bass line, the guitar layers counter-melodies and offbeat rhythms, gradually increasing tension until you’re fully absorbed. It’s a mantra-like experience, and while it feels like it ends in an instant, nearly nine minutes have actually passed. This meticulous approach might seem overly simplistic at first glance, but it’s anything but that; a casual listen won’t do it justice. To truly appreciate Sauropoda’s sound, you have to surrender to its peculiar charm and let it draw you into its world.
“March of Clowns” takes minimalism even further, gradually tapering off over the course of seven minutes until it almost vanishes. The album then moves into new territory with “Pastoral,” where Krizbai’s guitar develops the melody in tandem with occasional light-touch bass drumming. As the guitar plays a clipped offbeat chord, adding another layer of texture, the tempo rises, and the trio locks in rhythmically, creating an eerie, fascinating effect. The sparseness of the percussion underscores the minimalistic approach, lending the track an air of suspense.
The album’s production boasts impressive clarity, especially in the bass lines, which resonate beautifully, particularly on the closing title track. Here, the bass’s quiet yet insistent presence creates a soundscape that’s a delight to experience.
Comparisons to other artists may be tough to make, but it’s useful to mention the influences that Sauropoda bring to mind. There’s an undeniable echo of late-70s Robert Fripp in the band’s precise approach, and they share similarities with early Soft Machine albums. Both bands have a knack for using repetition and stripping down to essentials, yet Sauropoda manages to hone their sound with a unique intensity.
This is, without question, music designed as an intellectual exercise. To truly appreciate it, the listener has to approach it with a receptive mindset; otherwise, the album’s subtle brilliance may go unnoticed. Reviewing The Overstory has been challenging, but it’s clear that Sauropoda are crafting something distinctive here. For those willing to give it the attention it demands, the album offers a rich, rewarding experience—just don’t expect it to work as casual background music.
The Overstory is available from Blue Sun on Bandcamp as vinyl and digital download. Like Sauropoda on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram.
This is, without question, music designed as an intellectual exercise. To truly appreciate it, the listener has to approach it with a receptive mindset; otherwise, the album’s subtle brilliance may go unnoticed.
