IMAGES FROM THE OLD HOUSE

Chromatic Point's second albums is a great step ahead, especially in the variety of means of expression and musical themes. The compositions are more groovy, very sustainable and include some quite tingling blues and jazz touches. This is the first album to feature guest musicians and additional traditional instrumentation - in the track "Подземен екот" (Underground Eco) Diro and Garo Tavityan - sons of Macedonian best-known jazz-rock band Leb i Sol's drummer Garabet Tavityan - provide a synth and a drum solo, respectively. In the track "Стихија" (Element) you can hear traditional playing and choir singing by Macedonian folk group "Synthesis".

My favourite here is without any doubt the eponymous "Слики од старата куќа" with its jazzy intro, tender folky duels between clean guitar and acoustic piano and a strong upbeat metallic middle part. A great guitar solo is to be found on "Песна без зборови", which title is kinda funny meaning "A song without lyrics" as if it is the only one such track. But then again - the guitar work here sorta actually does the singing duty quite well. The easy piano riff and overall presence on the otherwise fast-paced "Сува земја" (Dry Land) is one of the most pleasant things on the album. The final 10-minute epos "Црно-бел мозаик" combines almost everything the band is capable of and summerise their two albums to date almost perfectly. Only a little touch of traditional instruments is missing to make a 100% showcase out of it. But that's really not necessary here, cause it is not intended. I am just saying.

An album and a band worth discovering and having in any prog rock collection. For ethno-rock lovers it is a sure must.