SVITANIE

This is one of the best prog records I've ever heard and my favorite by this outstanding Czechoslovak band. The amazing thing is, that the LP can be bought for a dollar or two here in Slovakia:) The note on the cover says: "Within the world frame we might find some common features by carefully listening for example with the British Yes (in instrumentation), it regards, however only similar ways of looking for new forms of rock music in which improvisation is repressed by greater interest in large composition formations and constriction of large colour spaces as ell as formation of qualitatively different moods..." There is some similarity to Yes, but the overall sound and mood is very different and there is no distinctive vocal in the mix - the album is almost entirely instrumental, although there is some fine singing by the bassist Fedor Freso, who was a lead singer only on two records in his 35 year career. Tracks 1 and 3 are amazing instrumental gems with constantly changing moods and tempos and outstanding instrumental performances especially by the leader of the band, guitarist Radim Hladik. The melodies and harmonies are beautiful and easily accessible. The second track is a rock arrangement of a slovak folk song with great vocals by Freso. Side B consists only of the epic 20 minutes long track Svitanie (Dawning). It is a great composition, although not the best of the album from my point of view(as those epics usually are). I love the harmony vocal part and the beautiful poetic lyrics. But there is some extended soloing in the middle part of the song which lasts a bit longer than it should. To sum it up, this album is highly recommended to any prog fan, and especially to those who like the 70's prog and are looking for something fresh.