UNICORN

My second tryout of Czech band Votchi is a happy one. Basically the same as their 2008 album, but not as refined, not as developed and interesting. However still good. Keyboards are here, same as flute, both are trying to do their best to attract listener and honestly, it works somehow.

First three tracks aren't so good, especially Searching but hopefully following one, Unicorn improves it and raises total score. Starting with "Mountain King" theme, continuing in Rock theme and adding some interesting sound twists, this is pleasant "remake".

However, even trying later on to improve it and quiet ending song Now is fine outro, there's difference between this and their latest. And even in contrast to other, similar albums it stands just for

4(-), even just isn't so bad. After all, this means very enjoyable album.

Not Czech lyrics / songs this time and album is about 10 minutes shorter. There is also Hard Rock sound at times, but the same can be applied for "New Religion". Wait for my review of "Scary Woman" to finish this reviewing trilogy.

Votchi is a relatively young band formed in 1999 in Prague, Czech Republic. Unicorn is their second album from 2004 and to me is their best from all 3 so far, the arrangemenst and the atmosphere is great, very '70's sound but with a new production make from this Votchi and specially this Unicorn to be a very solid album, I like it a lot. Every iece is a winner and show how good these guys are on each instrument they play. Votchi can be considered a heavy prog band due to the Uriah Heep -like approach blended with elements taken from Jethro Tull (Stand up ) period just listen to piece You'll Never Find Out , I swear this track is taken from Jethro Tull Stand up album and even Dream Theater, but only vague on this album. The band has performed live consistently over the years and has supported mainstays as Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Nazareth, Colosseum, and Heep. These Czech proggers show great skills with tight arrangements and are recommended to all heavy prog listeners of every age. 4 stars easy, one of the pleasent surprises coming from near my country Czech Republic in heavy prog realm, recommended , great album.

A Czech band from the capital of the country Praha, which begun life in 1999, apparently influenced by the British than the local Rock scene.After the demo album ''Dreaming'' in 2000 they officially debuted in 2002 with the album ''Scary woman'' on Kmotr Records.Two years later singer Petr Kutheil had surfaced as the leader of the band, which also comprised of Libor Barto on flute, Mirek Muzik on keyboards, Michal Hladuvka and Marty Smejkal on guitars, Pavel Bartos on bass and Tomas Stloukal on drums.The same period Votchi recorded and released their sophomore work ''Unicorn'' on Barrandov Records.

Let's make it clear from the start, Kutheil sings all tracks in English and the apparent influnces from the sound of JETHRO TULL are the basic reasons why I would easily confuse the group to hail from the British islands.But do not the expect to hear the refined and more elaborate JETHRO TULL on their past long suites, things go much into the harder vein of the British legends, dual guitar attacks along with powerful flute drives and lots of vintage echoes, propelled by the variety in tempos and Kutheil's impressive vocals.Of course the flute is not always the leading instrument, it often disappears to give his place to dominant keyboards, such as the synths and Hammond organ, then you will surely meet a flavor close to the likes of DEEP PURPLE, like if JON LORD has been placed behind the keyboard equipment.As you can imagine the material is rocking to the bone, passionate grooves, sharp guitar solos and a nice dose of instrumental diversity with flute and keyboards changing roles.Although the music is fairly straightfowrard, it is also quite demanding, there are plenty of breaks and complex themes in here to go along with an atmospheric diversity, starting from attacking tunes and ending up to more emotional parts with slow tempo songs.And as with every Retro-sounding band they sure have a light Classical background in the instrumental parts, either being a delicate flute theme or an extensive and elaborate full-band arrangement.

Skillful band, great vocals and some really cool and energetic pieces with a Hard Prog background.Originality is an unknown world though, the Jethro Tull and Deep Purple ghosts are all over the place.Warmly recommended, especially if you like Prog Rock's rockier side.