ZE SłOWEM BIEGNę DO CIEBIE

I recently got into this fine eclectic Polish band and I felt lucky when I found some second hand vinyls at the CD/LP-fair in Utrecht (one of the biggest in Europe). Pamiec was my first S.B.B. album and it is running for my favorite of 2010. It's eclectic mix of Pink Floydian spaciness, Crimsonian sophistication and Jazz-rock influences á la Mahavishnu Orchestra. The concentration of the compositions is great and thus the band finds itself able to operate in delicate atmospheres without loosing it's grip. Another good element of the S.B.B. way of doing things is that it doesn't sound stressed of disturbing.

On this fourth S.B.B. album (third in the studio) the band continues it's course set on Pamiec. The sound of the band had changed little and the classic mysterious eclectic prog- sound remains. "Ze Slowem..." has only two tracks of 19 minutes, an ambitious move by S.B.B. The polish vocals on side one are often doubled (dubbed) and dreamy. Master guitar player Antymos Apostolis has a good role (which was soon to change on the next albums) and drummer Jerzy Piotrowski is perhaps my favorite drummer of the eclectic prog genre. His precision, yet intensive drums are a blessing throughout. The adventerious melodies are all boosted with some heavy drum-fills. Józef Skrzek on keys, vocals and bass (and I think as main composer) is of course the basis of the band. His key-instruments are all chosen very well and his atmospheric approach on sympho/fusion is original.

The first composition, the title track, emphasis on the atmospheric & melodic side of the band. There are many peaceful moments, but the music remains melodic throughout. The feel changes from dark to spacey, from intimate to bombastic. The harmonic inventiveness of the compositions is a main feature. Somehow S.B.B. found a little place on prog-map that hadn't been discovered by others yet.

On side two, Przed premierą, emphasis on the instrumental jazz-rock and melodic prog composition. The abilities of the band are stretched to the maximum. This is a very good long instrumental piece and it can easily stand without song-writing.

Question: should I buy a cd or look for a vinyl? Well... I myself am a vinyl collector and I love the sound of vinyls. Though it's a bit awkward, I must admit that the cd sound at least 'just as good' as the vinyl. Perhaps it's even slightly better. Furthermore, the cd has an amazing 'bonus-track'. The early version of Odejście (clocking 29 minutes) is perhaps even better than the one on 'Wołanie O Brzęk Szkła aka Slovenian Girls' album. The eastern guitar playing in the beginning is very good and the way keys and drums enter after a few minutes is great. The other parts of the song are resemblant to that of the later released album version.

Conclusion. Yet another great album of S.B.B. in the spirit of the mighty Pamiec. This band has amazing compositional and technical abilities and is able to act as a great power-trio. The cd version of the album is very attractive due to the good re-master and the amazing bonus-track. Perhaps this album will grow a bit on me, but I am quite sure it deserves the four star rating. An excellent addition to your sympho, eclectic or fusion collection. Nearly a masterpiece of the genre.

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