VÈCI

3.5 stars. COMBO FH were from the Czech Republic and they released two albums back in the eighties. This is the debut and it's a highly complex album with punchy sounds as these songs constantly change. MIRIODOR came to mind a lot although I much prefer their music to this. I should mention that the follow-up album sounds like eighties New Wave so it seems they are a band of extremes. This one was a tough one to actually enjoy even though it's clear these guys are brilliant composers and players. We get 14 tracks over 38 minutes and to my ears this is pretty sterile music or maybe it's over my head. In fact I think Bj-1's review holds more weight than mine because this recording does get a lot of praise from Avant fans.

"Guma-Gu" has this almost Reggae-like rhythm as sounds honk, pulse and beat. A change before 3 minutes as the rhythm stops but it's back at 4 minutes. "Sedli A Jedli" is all over the place until it settles. It picks up 2 minutes in with sax playing over the complexity. So much going on. "Oukleji Slalem" is laid back with sax but then it picks up before a minute. Catchy stuff. It settles back down with piano to end it. "Juta Targo" is a short pice that's all over the place. "Reznk Zitra Neprijede" is uptempo and complex although we do get a brief calm after a minute.

"Sen Susene Jahody" doesn't really become melodic until 3 minutes in. Before that we get some accordion, sax and a strange sounding instrument. "Laserova Pout" features piano, drums and more. "Koko A Bucka" is short with intricate sounds. "Je Za Deset Minut, Pardale" kicks into a full sound after a minute. So much going on. Love the abrasive guitar after 1 1/2 minutes but it's brief. "Priloz Ucho" eventually gives up a crazy rhythm with sax. "Druha Nejlepsi Pasticka Na Mysi" is an interesting pice. Quite short. "Zeleny Muz" has some atmosphere to it for a change and bassoon i believe. "Tam Na Horach V Rakosi" is bright and uptempo. "Asi To Zabalime, I Josef Oz To Zavinul" ends it in a relaxed manner.

A tough listen for me but certainly recommended to Rio / Avant fans.