A BENEFIT OF RADIM HLADÍK [AKA: MODRÝ EFEKT & RADIM HLADÍK]

The first masterpiece by the band where the compositional but mainly playing abilities by the band flourish. For the fans of dynamic instrumental progressive rock, this is the album by Modry Efekt/Blue Effect to listen to. Guitar is dominating, more than it would be on the consequent albums. You can hear influences by Focus/Finch(especially when it comes to drumming, guitar playing and flute), King Crimson, slightly perhaps Yes. The drummer plays solid albeit not inventive.

"Boty" is an excellent starting track with different sections and versatile guitar playing between progressive rock, rock'n'roll, acoustic guitar. "Cajovna" is the most popular Blue Effect track, very moody and captivating due to its use of layered guitars. "Skládanka" is the most Focus influenced track with flute and vocals strongly reminding the Dutch band, only missing is the organ. "Ztráty a nálezy" features very melodic and symphonic high pitched guitar. "Hypertenze" is the peak of mid-70's Blue Effect instrumental emotions with stormy jam and multitude of styles ranging from jazz-rock to heavy progressive rock. While the track may stretch for a bit too long, it flows nicely. At the vocal end, Focus style comes to the stage again with symphonic end that Focus would use to finish their epic tracks. There is a saxophone solo thrown it, too.

The bonus track are les essential but one of them, Armageddon, is likely a predecessor of "Skládanka" with suiting vocals by the keyboard player. "Clara" has a fantastic bass line that must have been inspired by fusion.