XANTIPA

It's almost shocking the change in styles between this EP from 1974 and the EP from 2 years earlier. They've gone from a sixties singles mode to a heavy organ led seventies sound. The vocals are more intense as well but still in that Czech language.

"Xantipa" opens with organ as a heavy sound kicks in. Vocals are powerful and we get a guitar solo before 2 minutes. The organ dominates though throughout. "Zeleny Lucisnik" opens with organ as well as it builds. I really like this one, especially the guitar. Vocals join in and some harmonies later. Great tune and a top three. "Brouk" opens with strummed guitar as vocals join in. A catchy but straightforward song. "Easy Livin" is of course a cover of the URIAH HEEP track and they do a good job. "Balon" is such a great track with the huge bass lines, organ, flute and guitar. A top three. "Ptaci Sonata" is the other top three for me. Organ, drums and strings to start then it settles beautifully reminding me of RPI for some reason as the vocals come in. It does pick up at times. "Look At Yourself" is the closer and the other URIAH HEEP cover. Again a good job by the boys and the organ runs are killer.

Like the previous EP I just get way too much joy out of this not to give up four stars.