SLUNEčNÍ HODINY

Czech Prog scene is quite big, when we consider how small nation we are and all the repression by then government of commies.

But so so unknown, virtually overlooked by most of the people because of lack of information.

Therefore, talented artist either done something not so offensive (chosen themes that wouldn't harm government) or was banned, prosecuted and refused to be given limelight and gigs bigger than playing for few friends (or in some kind of secret place, but then people didn't know that something was happening).

Sluneční hodiny means "Sundial", time measuring device that shows you what time it is. And this is the story of these clocks.

When considering era when this album was released, we have to think in Czech conditions. Albums were often denied immediate release and sometimes held back for years. Who knows what is the story of this album, I'm not that informed, but it's year 1981. Also, our scene was quite behind. Not much, but it was. But I personally see this album as flag bearer of 70s quality + added better elements of 80s.

Lineup of Synkopy changed over course of time and also their maturity. Now it seems more like doing serious business (we have a term for bands like these in Czech Republic, it's "Rock for Adults" as opposed to then newcoming wave of easier genre alternative/punk where intention was to headbang, not to think). Not so funny elements I hear in it, colder beauty style.

For example Hůl ve slunečních hodinách (Stick in sundial) guess what this is about. Yeah, you're right, about this stick that measures, casts shadow from which we can calculate what time it is.

Songs are quite dark in atmosphere, but certainly has a lot to offer. But that's not the only variant of word atmosphere that I want to use. This album is also atmospheric, dreamy. Because this kind of synths (so usual in Neo-Prog bands of 80's) is used here.

Racek Černý (Black Seagul, or Seagul that is black is you want to be poetic) is challenging song about ability to fly so normal for birds, but so promising to humans.

Songs are long and so there's a lot of space to fill. Even not extremely long (remember, 1981, LP length), you certainly won't regret time looking for and listening this album

5(-), ambitious work, surprise that it was released (and conceived) assuming conditions of times when this was made.

SYNKOPY is another excellent band from the Czech Republic. This album was released in 1981 and while this is a five piece band at times it feels like there are many more musicians involved. There are a lot of instruments in play as two of the members play clavinet besides their usual instruments plus we get violin, cello and a variety of keyboards as there are two keyboardists. All of this besides the usual guitar and drums.The vocals are pretty good and quite passionate at times.

"Introdukce" features synths and keyboards with lots of atmosphere. Just a great way to start the album. "Hul V Slunecnich Hodinach" opens with drums and keyboards standing out as guitar then vocals join in. This is catchy and uptempo.The guitar leads before 4 minutes then we get a calm with vocals 5 minutes in before it kicks back in. "Jsi Nadherna Praveka" opens with atmosphere galore then it kicks in suddenly at 1 1/2 minutes. Lots of intricate sounds here including clavinet. Vocals 3 minutes in. Check out the instrumental section after 5 1/2 minutes.Vocals are back 7 1/2 minutes in. "Intermezzo" is a short piece with spacey sounds that wash in and out.

"Cerny Racek" is my favourite. Strummed guitar and synths to start as vocals join in. Drums 1 1/2 minutes in come to the fore. Some passionate vocals here at times. Just a great sounding tune. "Klavesove Extempore" opens with atmosphere as cello and violin join in. It starts to pick up. Here we go ! It settles back around 2 1/2 minutes with keyboards then builds. Nice. "Vodopad" has such a good sound to it,very intense.The tempo picks up after a minute and vocals join in. Excellent tune. "Toulka Je Obla" opens with lots of keyboards then vocals come in before 1 1/2 minutes.This is really good. Vocal melodies 3 minutes in then the vocals return as it settles. It's building again before 4 1/2 minutes as the drums pound. It settles back with vocals. We get a reprise of a vocal section from the second track to end the song. Cool.

Well worth 4 stars, these guys impress instrumentally no doubt about that.