KRYWAN, KRYWAN

I don't think you ever quit learning when it comes to the Progressive Rock scene. I really thought SBB were the only significant band to come out of Poland in the seventies until I was blown out by this album. SKALDOWIE's first album came out in 1967 while their first significant album (at least to Prog fans) came out in 1970. This recording is considered to be their best and most proggy and it's from 1973. The first track is a side long suite of almost 18 minutes while side two featues four shorter but equally excellent tunes. By the way I hope to review that 1970 release tonight.

"Krywaniu, Krywaniu" kicks in around a minute with vocals. Nice chunky bass too.The organ leads after 2 minutes. Great sound here. It settles some then kicks back in as the tempo picks up. The organ and bass continue to impress. It settles again around 6 minutes until about 8 minutes when it kicks back in with vocals as themes are repeated. Violin before 9 minutes. A calm 11 minutes in as the organ and trumpet come in with other sounds. No real melody here. The "Lone Ranger" theme is touched on briefly before 14 minutes. Pulsating organ and violin follow. Bass is back 16 minutes in then it kicks back in to the end. Phew ! Killer track.

"Juhas Zmarl" really sounds like a SANTANA song. All the percussion and congas and even the vocal style. Piano helps early and this really does sound amazing. Guitar 3 minutes in then the trumpet leads as the uptempo rhythm with percussion and congas continues. Great tune. "Jeszize Kocham" features the drums, bass, piano and vocals early on. Incredible sound here. Guitar ends it. "Gdzie Mam Cieble Szuka" is another SANTANA-like tune with vocals. Fantastic stuff. "Fioletowa Dama" is led by the organ and drums early on. Some nasty organ before 1 1/2 minutes. Nice. Fat bass in this one too. Violin after 3 minutes as the bass continues to throb. Organ is back. Big finish.

I want to thank Tuzvihar for the excellent bio on this band and his review. And to Todd for allowing me to hear this masterpiece.