PRIBEH KURETE

The name of this album in English would be something like "The Story of a Chicken". And the chikin' is just a metaphor a vehicle which carries the intended purpose forward. Simply put, it's the story of life's journey, very poetically heavy, almost nothing in the lyrics is meant literally. Or at least that's how I understand it. Thus as being Czech native speaker, I am at bit of advantage over many of the foreign listeners.

When you leave the words out, you get the second part of what "Příběh kuřete" is, musically mellow and atmospheric, very chilled out (almost post-rockish at times). Very melodically active, like a volcano choke full of seismic activity. Gentle guitarwork, abrupt return to the melodic hooks

I cannot "shut off" the lyrics or my understanding of them. For my listening experience, the music+lyrics parts are joined into one. You who do not understand Czech language have this unique opportunity. I wouldn't damn this album just because it's in foreign unknown language (as I heard few people telling me, worried they wouldn't enjoy it much).

Or is it about the chickens after all? You can decide for yourselves, the album has an official bandcamp page where you can listen to it and also buy it. The youtube exists too.

No pale yolks here

Samanovo Zbozi are a band from Ostrava, a city in the north-east of the Czech Republic, located just a few kilometers from the border with Poland. It's a beautiful city with a very rich musical and architectural landscape, the kind of place that could easily reap a band as eclectic and colorful as Samanono Zbozi.

When our old friend Marty McFly reviewed this album he worried that non-Czech speakers may not enjoy it, as they'd be missing the heavy metaphors and poetry in this album about the journeys of life. Point taken, and yes, there are some listeners who believe themselves adventurous even as they refuse to listen to non-English albums. I'm not one of them. Vocalists who use their first language are always an enhanced experience for me, giving the music authenticity and a unique vibe--in the same way that traveling is a more enriching experience than watching a travel TV show. The emotions come through more intensely and naturally, rather than being somewhat stilted by well meaning blokes unaware of correct emphasis or slang usage. I've heard some RPI simply destroyed by English. Samanovo Zbozi know better and the songs soar because of it.

Musically this is a wonderful mixture of modern crossover prog with nods to psych and dreamy pop. It reminded me most of a band called Dungen but with moments of quiet and post-rock though not textbook by any means. I would also recommend this to fans of The Tea Club, KingBathMat, System of a Down, and even Trettioåriga Kriget for the combination of diverse and accessible styles. The songs are guitar led without question, guitars supplying the melodies, leads, and textures all combined trying to capture an original sound and succeeding pretty well. There are jazzy sounding segments, psych moments, alt rock heavy grooves, and pop sensibilities. They can rock hard as hell one moment, then have spoken narration, then have an almost REM-like jangle pop, yet pull it all together convincingly. Super playing. This cage-free chicken runs in fields of grass and lays the most delicious farm fresh eggs with bright orange yolks and maximum nutrition. Accept no factory farm chain store bird.

Rather sad that this album has not had much attention out there amongst prog fans and reviewers, I hope that will change. This work is most deserving of more appreciation.