PAMIĘĆ

SBB are architects of an irresistable cosmic prog sound, as long as you pick up the key albums from the '70s. 'Pamiec' is one of their best.

Even though SBB's music isn't extremely complicated or difficult doesn't make them any less captivating to even the most demanding ears. The dramatic qualities and the patience they exercise in building their songs are wonderful elements of their style. 'Pamiec' consists of three lengthy songs, each a fine representation of the band's style: jazzy, cosmic, synth-dominant, dramatic, it's all here, with occasional flurries of kinetic storms from drummer Jerzy Piotrowski and generally unpredictable dynamics. Mainman and bassist/keyboardist/vocalist Jozef Skrzek is cleary the guiding light, though he gives the other members plenty of room to move around. His vocals are full of conviction, sometimes fragile, sometimes triumphant, usually carrying a kind of lamenting/melancholy tone.

Some moments are crushingly beautiful ("From Whose Blood My Blood") and some are frightening in their dynamic range (the side-long "Memory Grows Into Stone"). The sounds are all an analog-loving synth-enthusiast could ask for, but it's so much more than just a showcase for Skrzek, as his compositions shine brightly throughout this eventful album, and the band chemistry reaches peak points all over the place. The instrumental balance is another highlight, guitar given plenty of presence amidst the other sounds, nothing ever battling for the spotlight, all of it working toward the strength of the song. Perhaps I should give this a 5, but I'll hold back since I'm not familiar enough with SBB's daunting catalog...maybe there's another masterpiece out there more worthy of that rating. So, 4.5++. But who cares about numbers: this is an album any enthusiast of prog's grand '70s era must own.

To my personal taste, this third album by SBB is stronger than the second album. Even though it's not in close similarity, this album reminds me to Chick Corea's Return To Forever. The use of mother tongue language as vocal (by Jozef) has made this song rich in textures and style. The opening track "W kolysce dloni twych (Ojcu)/ In The Cradle Of Your Hands (To My Father)" (9:07) is dark at opening / intro part featuring mellow vocal. AT approx minute 5 the music moves in dynamic way with drums as beat keeper and guitar solo as lead. The tempo moves faster during interlude part as shown by faster drumbeats. The keyboard solo is really stunning and energetic.

The second track "Z których krwi krew moja / From Whose Blood, My Blood" (10:11) continues the style of previous one with now more bluesy and jazzy opening. The guitar fills at the opening are played softly. The song features vocal, as the opening track does as well. The interlude part with moog solo and guitar solo is very nice. In the middle of the track the music moves into faster and more dynamic style of music.

The album's epic "Pamięć w kamień wrasta / Memory Grows Into Stone" (19:48) takes too long opening part to have the music taking off. It only happens at the later part of the music.

In terms of similarity, this album is in a way similar in style with Billy Cobham "Spectrum" album where it features Tommy Bolin as guest guitarist for one song. Overall, this third album is an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Trouble is .. the recording quality is not that good: too much bass and the mid range is not clear enough. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Very interesting release from S.B.B. recorded in 1975.This Polish band offers up a stew of atmospheric jazz and dashes of symphonic music with drums and an array of keyboards(grand piano,fender piano,hammond organ and minimoog) leading the way.There are some vocals in Polish but not a lot. "W Kolysce Dioni Twych(Ojcu)" opens with sparse cymbals,keys and guitar sounds before organ comes floating into this atmospheric intro.Vocals 2 minutes in and they are the focus as not much else is going on.The song finally and thankfully kicks into gear before 3 1/2 minutes as drums and organ lead the way, although vocals continue.Nice beat 5 1/2 minutes in.The tempo picks up 7 minutes in.It settles with vocal melodies before 8 1/2 minutes. "Z Ktorych Krwi Krew Moja" opens much like the first track with lots of atmosphere as keys,cymbals and guitar calmly play.Vocals after a minute.A fuller and better sound 1 1/2 minutes in.It settles back down quickly though.This contrast continues.Some vocal melodies before 5 minutes as we get some impressive drumming.Great sound 5 1/2 minutes in.The guitar is lighting it up 6 minutes in.Some atmosphere a minute later as it calms right down.Vocals after 7 1/2 minutes as themes are repeated. "Pamiec W Kamieri Wrasta" opens with spacey winds.Lots of atmosphere follows as floating organ comes in then vocal melodies.A change after 5 minutes as the organ stops and keys take over.We start to get more of a melody 6 minutes in as it gets heavier and darker.It doesn't last long though as it calms right down.Vocals come in and i have to say that this section sounds so much like RADIOHEAD, you'd be surprised.Check it out after 8 minutes.Guitar 9 minutes in and a fuller sound.More atmosphere takes over.A GENESIS flavour 10 1/2 minutes in.Back to the atmosphere as drums and bass lead the way.Guitar 15 minutes in goes on and on as the tempo picks up.Nice.It settles right down 19 minutes in to end it.Amazing side long track! This record seems to get better as it plays out.I admit i still find parts of this album difficult to really enjoy,mostly some of the early vocal sections.Still worth 4 stars though as the title track is pure genius.