DEZO URSINY & IVAN STRPKA: NOVÉ MAPY TICHA

The second solo album by Ursiny underwent a significant transformation. Although it's quite a lot of line-up guests, the sound is more streamlined, simplified and vocal-driven. The fusion elements diminished in the expense of atmospheric synth-supported moments, which is not necessarily bad depending on your tastes. Keyboards are still the strongest instrument although not so dominant any more. I think most progressive listeners will mark the contrast between the high instrumental potential and limited vocal potential - Ursiny has quite a monotone voice and I enjoy it only when singing choruses or harmonies. On the upside side; compositions have slightly improved - they are more cohesive, "Na malej stanici" is a great manifest of that. "Domestic flight" is not that well written but compensates with a few intensive fusion-like parts. The simplest song on the album "Hádanka" is still a highlight - one of the few excellent matches of the lyrics and music when they don't disrupt each other - and acoustic guitar playing is in lead.