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Uz Jsme Doma - Hollywood CD (album) cover

HOLLYWOOD

Uz Jsme Doma

 

RIO/Avant-Prog

3.61 | 19 ratings

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TheGazzardian
Prog Reviewer
4 stars This is my first exploration into the background of this Czech band since I discovered their Cuneiform release, Jeskyne (Caves) last year (which found a place in my best-of-2010 list).

The music contained herein fits into the avant-garde category quite nicely, with odd rhythms and weird sounds mixed throughout, but that is not really the appeal of this album. These are simply ingredients used by the band to create what are ultimately inviting, catchy, and fun songs. I have no idea what they are singing about (despite English translations of the lyrics being included in the booklet), and it doesn't really matter, because on sound alone these guys make quite an impact.

The rhythm section is strong and consistent enough to build the framework from which the songs can perform their acrobatics. In this album, it is a tenor sax adding a distinctive flavour (compared to Caves, which used trumpet). The music propels itself forward with a punk-like energy, but there is some maturity to the way it is used here - for sure, this is not just art-punk music. The band has a great sense of dynamics and is able to build into the most energetic, rocking parts in ways that make them sound better than if they had just gone straight to them. This keeps the songs fresh and interesting, even when they are repeating similar themes (as in the title track, which actually has English in it to begin with). The melodies here aren't quite as in-your-face as in my past experience with the band, but instead slowly work their way insidiously into your head and last a lot longer, which I actually find I enjoy more.

This is one of those albums that has so many highlights that it seems like the whole album is full of highlights. It is bookended with great tracks - the opener (Koroze) is a great introduction both to the energy of the band as well as their weirdness (it includes a cry-singing part), and the closer (Jdi tam, nevím kam, přines to, nevím co) is pretty epic - but these aren't even the best tracks on the album. Hollywood just begs you to sing along, Vlazna a sediva is a cool, more chilled piece, Belveder builds up wonderfully, and Jassica has superb energy.

If you are into music with a lot of energy, or music that is weird but has great rhythm to it, this is probably an album you should be checking out.

TheGazzardian | 4/5 |

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