SLUNECNICE PRO VINCENTA VAN GOGHA

More melancholic depicted work, then their previous one. And also more pop, even not as much as some may think (here in Czech Republic, those who loves prog often compares these two records and this fails every time, because it's just worse than 1st one. But to compare such albums shouldn't be rate to give 1/5 stars, or so. And also beware, this is not jazz, it's more eclectic. Oh, name of album is "Sunflowers for Vincent van Gogh" and also there's slight move from fusion to funk, most prominent in Válka šálků, (War of cups). Not that it's bad, but it's more easy to listen, with less treats and surprises. Well, less prog. And that's sad, because musicians like Michal Pavlíček and Michal Kocáb are here, one of the most famous here in Czech Republic. Looks like they run out of ideas here, innovation and produced more commercial album. But in then-present society, this was still one of the best albums produced.

3(+) for not so prog, but still good album.

Czech band MAHAGON's second album is a huge letdown after their excellent debut. The JRF stylings are scaled way back as the focus becomes the female vocals and a more commercial sound.

The first track "Slunecnice Pro Vincenta Van Gogh I" opens with atmosphere and vocal melodies before reserved vocals and piano take over a minute in. It does get fuller but i'm not liking this. "Prameny Poznani" is my favourite and really the only track that recalls the debut. This is funky Fusion with lots of horns. Some crazy synths and electric piano also join in. This is excellent. "Stranky Deniku Pod Rolakem" is my least favourite with those reserved vocals and ballad-like vibe. Yikes ! "Vila Za Milion" is uptempo with vocals. Not a fan. "Valka Salku" has horns and is a little funky but when the vocals come in they lose me.

"Cinkni Minci" is uptempo with vocals. Lots of horns too. "Dopis Marii, Pavlovi O Octi" is one i like with those guitar expressions and atmosphere. "Plateny Sen" has piano and vocals before the violin comes in. Not a fan. "A Kamen Tu Necham" has lots of horns, synths and vocals. "Slunecnice Pro Vincenta Van Gogha II" is good with the atmosphere and spoken words as sounds come and go. "Slunecnice Pro Vincenta Van Gogha III" ends the album with an uptempo soundcape and vocals. It turns mellow after 4 minutes.

Just not a fan of this one at all.