NOVÁ SYNTÉZA 2 [AKA: NEW SYNTHESIS 2]

Even better than Nová Syntéza , this is another one with a jazz orchestra, called (not very originally ) Nová syntéza II. The bigggest news is, that this one has Lešek Semelka added to the band as a lead singer. Plus, the songs are essentially symphonic prog with a jazz rock flavour at times. Nová syntéza II. 4 The title track. A long, moody piece with a gorgeous opening melody that could rival the best ones on a Yes,or Genesis album. Semelka´s soul influenced voice adds a lot to the atmoisphere, along with the passage, where Hladík plays a solo over the male choir part. At about the beginning of the ight minute the song becomes faster and a bit more jazzier with a strong vocal performance by Semelka. Great work by the rhytm section, Kustka plays fabulous bassguitar. Next comes another symphonic part, which ends in a noisy freakout by the orchestra and the band, with nice piano playing starting, with an insane electric violin solo, followed by a full band part, with a great solo by Hladík, that after a climax calms the number to get in amore moodier passage, which showcases an organ solo and fabulous bass playing , before the orchestra starts the jazziest part of the track, with the rhytm section really getting into it. In this part, the tracks resembles one of the less inspired parts of the first Nová Syntéza. The band then returns to the atmospheric theme, with orchestra as well as the choir and ends it abruptly. Some great moments here, but some considerably weak ones as well. Je Trěba obout boty a pak dlouho jít 5 This one was reworked without the orchestra and vocals for the almost fully instrumental Radim Hladík & Modrý efekt Album. I like this one much better, though. The creepy intro sounds like it would come from Pink Floyd´s One of these days, when the main heavy riff comes in with the orchestra. Semelka develops a complicated vocal melody. The dreamy, slower melody sounds as it would come out of Meddle, along with the subtle slide guitars, but because of the horn section, it sounds jazzier. Hladík then plays a gorgeous lyrical lead on guitar, before another fast part starts, with a fine guitar riff introducing it and Hladík plays a second solo, this one much wilder as the previous one. The whole band is really tight. Next is one darker passage, with creepy organ, concluding in the dramatic vocal melody, which then ends the number. Klíště 3.5 A moody ballad with only pianoand the orchestra, relying on Semelka´s expressive voice. Nice, even if the too pompous and melodically lacking in the refrain, which is much overdramaticized. However, at lest the verses are fine and atmospheric and the song is short. Jedenáctého října 2,5 The track starts off with a heavy wall of sound created by the orchestra,and the band along with organ. The vocal part starts, with a fabulous thumping bass. The most rocking tune on here, no doubt, as well as the loudest one. A somewhat surprising , slow and moody part starts, followed by a louder one, rather unimpressive wah wahed solo by Radim Hladík, as it does not really fit onto the song that well. Thankfully, a nice section comes in, with solid melody and relaxed playing by the band as well as the orchestra, with Hladík playing a nice lead in the background.

Songs´rating in order: 4+5+3.5+2.5=15:4= stars

Good, but non - essential.