JÁTÉKOK

Another nice entry in the list of good East-European prog rock bands,EAST were a band from Hungary,who were formed in mid-70's in Szeged and led by charismatic guitarist Janos Varga (later he pursued a personal career).However the band should have to wait 5 to 6 years before releasing their debut.This would come in 1981 under the title ''Jatekok'' (translated into ''Games''), certainly in a harsh time to produce sophisticated rock music.

Though some of the bass lines and keyboard parts will remind you of MARILLION,these guys achieved to release two albums before MARILLION release even one.The style of the music lies somewhere between symphonic melodic rock and space rock with heavy use of electronic samplers.Yes,the two first tracks are very close to MARILLION,but as the album unfolds the band deliver a very personal style of prog rock.Part of the guitar work will remind you of ALEX LIFESON's style in late-70's/early-80's RUSH,a few rockin' passages pop out here and there,some fusion elements are added for a change and the electronic parts create some great soundscapes for the listener.This is a very challenging mix of sounds by a band with a rather dark-sounding atmosphere,far from the pleasant style of acts like JADIS or PENDRAGON.EAST deserve your attention,for they carried the torch of art/prog rock at a time when experimentation was more than forbidden for a band's survival.Recommended!