BAROKO V ČECHÁCH

Where is it written that avant-garde music should have grating, irritating vocals? It seems like far too many times I find myself enjoying the instrumental portion of a song, but the vocalist makes it difficult to listen to. That is the case with this album. While the music is rough, it is still quite compelling. However, Filip Topol tends to shout most of the lyrics (which I don't understand, not knowing the language). And when he shouts, he is often off-key.

Musically, this album is piano driven avant-garde, with some shades of punk. The guitaring is sparse, but when it is there it is mostly aggressive, bringing to my mind Klaus Flouride of the Dead Kennedys at times. For some reason, when the violins come in, it reminds me of Henry Cow. It all makes for an interesting album. Until Topol sings (similarly to the grating sound of Lee Jackson of The Nice), or should I say, shouts.