MEDITACE [AKA: KINGDOM OF LIFE]

Some of the most memorable and catchy songs by Blue Effect were born on their debut album since this work is still miles away from progressive/artrock and jazz rock. Blue effect added themselves in the "bigbeat" Czechoslovak movement that was particularly strong in and around Praha (Prague).

The ingredients are British invasion of mid 60's, subtle blues rock influences and contemporary pop scene in Czechoslovakia. The line-up already contains two long-standing members, Vlado Cech on drums and Mr. Hladik with not so distinctive guitar playing as later after 1974. Moreover, this is a vocal album, more than any other album by Blues Effect.

"Paměť lásky" and "Blue effect street" are cleverly done pop/rock songs that won't hurt any body with then compliant guitar playing and friendly vocals."fenix" is a great passionate vocal number showing emotions. Blues rock tendencies are visible on "Stroj na nic", "Little girl" that sounds like a British clone with great flute, while "Desert flute" is a not do mid 60's British melody hooks with psychedelia traces. "Blues about stone" may be the most interesting track for the proghead with equal amount of passion, convinction and tasty guitar performance. Other pop-rock tracks follow with guitar being the major attraction.

While this is a good album for a blues and 60's pop/rock listener, it does not reveal much to a progressive rock listener, therefore 2 stars, all other albums will get a better rating ;-).