Árnyak Közt A Fény by Homonyik Sándor: A Pop-Rock Gem from Hungary You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Árnyak Közt A Fény, a 2001 release that sounds like Europop and Pop Rock had a love child somewhere in the Hungarian countryside. Released under the label Hungaroton (yes, it’s as fancy as it sounds), this album is proof that sometimes music doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel—it just needs to hit you right in the feels.
Let’s start with the obvious: Homonyik Sándor has pipes. The guy’s vocals are smooth enough to make your grandma swoon but raw enough to keep things grounded. And let’s not forget his trusty crew—Menyhárt János on guitar and keyboards extraordinaire Závodi Gábor bring layers of texture that give the album its punch. Oh, and shoutout to Bársony Attila for those backing vocals; they’re the sprinkles on an already delicious cake.
Now, onto the tracks. With ten songs on the roster, I’ll focus on two that stuck with me long after the last chord faded. First up: “Két Tűz Között”. This one’s got drama written all over it. It’s like being caught between wanting dessert and sticking to your diet—it’s messy, emotional, and impossible not to relate to. The lyrics by Miklós Tibor pack a wallop, balancing introspection with just enough sass to keep you humming along while contemplating life choices. Bonus points for Menyhárt János’ guitar work here; it’s so sharp it might cut you if you’re not careful.
Then there’s “Sose Higgy El Mindent!”, which translates roughly to “Never Believe Everything!”—and honestly? Good advice. This track kicks off with a riff that screams ‘90s rock nostalgia before morphing into something uniquely Eastern European. It’s catchy without trying too hard, and Homonyik delivers the lines like he’s giving you a friendly nudge rather than wagging a finger at you. There’s a certain charm to how unapologetically earnest it feels, like someone spilling their heart out over beers at a pub.
But what really makes this album stand out isn’t just the music—it’s the vibe. Listening to Árnyak Közt A Fény feels like flipping through an old photo album where every snapshot tells a story. Sure, some moments feel a little rough around the edges (those minor imperfections only add character), but overall, it’s a cohesive journey through themes of love, loss, and finding light in the shadows (pun intended).
Oh, and can we talk about the cover art for a sec? Big ups to Szőke Balázs for making it look like something straight out of a retro dream sequence. Paired with photography by Angyal and Békefi Dóra, the visuals elevate the whole package. Even Nyilas Kriszta, who managed the chaos behind the scenes, deserves props for keeping everyone in line.
So, would I recommend Árnyak Közt A Fény? Absolutely. Is it perfect? Nah. But maybe perfection isn’t the point. Maybe it’s about embracing the quirks, the unexpected harmonies, and the tiny details that make you smile even when you don’t realize it.
Final thought: If albums were people, this one would be that quirky friend who always shows up wearing mismatched socks but somehow still manages to steal the show. And honestly? We could all use more friends like that.
Rating: 8/10 — because no one’s perfect, not even Hungaroton.
