The fight-or-flight response is an automatic physiological reaction that occurs when your brain perceives a threat or danger. It was first described by Walter Cannon in the early 20th century as a way the body prepares to either confront or flee from a predator or stressor. However Fight Or Flight is also a movie released May 2025, this action-comedy stars Josh Hartnett as Lucas Reyes, a disgraced operative tasked with identifying a high-value asset on an international flight. As for the music world here, we also know the album Fight Or Flight. Which is the second studio album by the Polish electronic-progressive rock duo Przemysław Rudź and Roman Odoj, released on February 15, 2026. Of course this review is about this release and not about the movie with the same name! First let me introduce the musicians: Przemysław Rudź: A prolific electronic music composer, keyboardist and sound engineer, also known as an author and popularizer of astronomy. Roman Odoj: A mathematician and guitarist active in various progressive rock and pop-rock projects. The album Fight Or Flight follows their 2023 debut, Daydreamer & Nightwalker, and shifts toward a more guitar-driven, progressive rock sound compared to their previous work. On the new album they had two collaborators working with them. On the title track, which opens the album, you can enjoy guest musicians Arek Suchara on bass and Michał "Malina" Maliński on drums. The album sometimes sounds like a big improvised session in which the musicians bring out their best ideas. Most of all on the longest piece of music on the album which is titled Into The Higher Domain. They do this with extreme skill, and boredom never really sets in. The songs sometimes have a nice drive and rhythm that ensures the music doesn't become too long-winded. The sequencers and rhythm machines are sometimes working overtime, allowing you to move along nicely to the sometimes swinging music. A good example is the track Pyramidion. The solos on the electric guitar and synthesizers are also very tastefully done, if you ask me. The aforementioned opening track with the guest rhythm section is clearly the musical highlight of the album. It's a great up tempo tune with a lot of variety. But don't think that the good-sounding songs are over after that. No, the musicians just keep going because they are simply in full swing. Sometimes you can hear where they drew their musical inspiration from. Think of Tangerine Dream like on Pyramidion and the epic Into The Higher Domain. Songs on which the music sometimes reminded me of albums such as Underwater Sunlight (1986), Optical Race (1988) and Lily On The Beach (1989). Albums from my favourite Tangerine Dream period, for sure! Even Pink Floyd surfaces in the quiet but very beautiful Two Faces Of Autumn. Those who want to download the album even get an extra track as a bonus that you don't get on the CD version. Watcher Of The Lies is their strong instrumental version of Watcher Of The Skies. The well known first track on Genesis' fourth studio album Foxtrot (1972). The album was produced with great attention to technical detail in order to satisfy even the most demanding music lovers and audiophiles. The artwork references the duo's debut album, emphasizing the continuity of the project, which will certainly be continued in the future. They have my blessing! Perhaps this album isn't good enough after a first listen, which is why it is certainly recommended to give it multiple listens. Afterward, you will likely be quite impressed by the four tracks, just as I was. Especially if you also appreciate the instrumental music of Tangerine Dream and Pink Floyd. That is why I can only be positive about Fight Or Flight, because Rudź & Odoj have ultimately created a magnificent album! ***+ Henri Strik Where to buy? |
