THE BODY PARTS PARTY

Described in the accompanying literature as Osada Vida's second album, this is in fact their fifth release if we include the three albums released locally in Poland between 2000 and 2004. Their 2006 album "Three Seats Behind A Triangle" is regarded though as representing the start of the band in international terms and with their current line up.

The concept here may at first seem bizarre, and even a little distasteful. The various "body parts" are used though to symbolise the "feelings and emotions (good and bad) experienced by humans in their day to day existence". Thus we have tracks with basic titles such as "Liver" "Brain" and "Spine", each also bearing a more illuminating sub-title.

The diverse range of influences which graced "Three seats.." are in evidence one again here, the album overall having a slightly softer edge this time. The opening "Body" which forms a sort of overture, perhaps deliberately reminds us of ELP's "Karn Evil 9". Lyrics such as "Ladies and gentelmen (sic) welcome to our body parts party, we'd like to present you our main guests, so let me introduce them" and "On the left we see Mr. Bone" are more than a little reminiscent of Part one of ELP's epic. In musical terms, the song gets us off to a strong start with tight melodies and diverse instrumentation.

"Liver; Mr. Liver's letter to you" starts with an extended instrumental passage which ranges from Moraz like jazz synth to metal tinged guitar riffing. The lyrics and vocal style are reminiscent of Manfred Mann's Earth band's "Hello, this is your heart", concluding with the stark warning "I can make you feel pain?. I can make you be dead, so keep me in mind, dear". The track includes some fine interplay between synth and guitar concluding with a mellotron backed heavy riff.

"Brain; mind on cloud nine" is tinged in irony describing an "If I ruled the world" dream. The song is unusually understated, almost ballad like, with some dreamy guitar. "Tongue, a white lie" describes a compulsive liar but concludes that the problem may actually lay with the beholder. Overall, this for me is the least distinguished track on the album, at least in vocal terms. Even here though there is a striking burst of synth.

The only completely instrumental track on the album is "Spine; in full swing", a 7 minute romp through an ever changing selection of styles and sounds. Once again, we enjoy Osada Vida's unique blend of metal riffing and fusion style improvisation. "Heart; Back and forth" is a slower number with a heavy (heart) beat. The "we are only born to die" type lyrics can seem over-depressive but are counterbalanced to some extent by the lighter multi-tracked vocals and melodic instrumental incursions.

"Muscle, Strong but powerless" appears to deal with the futility of violence, the jazz like shuffling intro leading to a mellotron soaked, at times funky number. The odd sounding offbeat riffs are supported by some upfront bass playing.

At 11 minutes, the closing track "Bone; my name is bone, the single bone" is the longest on the album. The song starts softly with piano and acoustic guitar leading to some pleasant, almost ambient lead guitar. The song reflects on a life seemingly wasted in the pursuit of money and fame, ruing the fact that "I was part of everything, I am a part of nothingness". The lengthy guitar piece which dominates the track is reminiscent of the "Unquiet slumbers/Quiet earth" sections of Genesis "Wind and wuthering" album.

In all, another highly enjoyable album by Osada Vida, which features some complex arrangements. It is good to find a set of gifted musicians who remain willing to extend themselves and explore territories befitting of their talents.

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