MEDITACE [AKA: KINGDOM OF LIFE]

As for the FROMUZ that are a band distant both in space and time from this MODRY EFEKT, I don't know why they are classified as a JR/F band. The recitation and the symphonic elements of the opener are for me closer to the symphonic prog of the Hungarian AFTER CRYING, but it's 1969 and the influence of American psychedelia is evident on "Blue Effect Street" that sounds quite hippy with the instrumental parts reminding GRATEFUL DEAD or BIG BROTHER and THE HOLDING COMPANY, and the choirs like the debut of RENAISSANCE.

However this is a band of very skilled elements. The guitar on this track seems sometimes being "tapped" ten years before this technique was introduced in metal. The song is good enough and I like all the bands that I have mentioned.

"Fenix" has a bit of eclectism more. In few seconds it passes from Blues to Symphonic to Beat. It's very dated to its epoch, but it's absolutely good. I would define it as a "R&B" song because of the brass section and the kind of vocals.

"Stroj na nic" is a blues-rock song with a great guitar behind. Early BLUE OYSTER CULT with R&B brasses...that means something original at these times. And don't forget that they were playing music with American influences from behind the iron curtain just after the repression following the "Prague's spring". Not an easy choice probably.

On "Sluneční hrob" they are on classical influences. It's a short instrumental, like a medieval leid.

Now a blues. In 1969 every band had to play at least one blues piece for album. This is special in the flute solo (I think it was the flute) which has a very acid sound. For the rest it's just a traditional rock-blues. The guitar is clean and jazzy but effectively there's nothing special or particularly prog in this song.

"Deserted Alley" opens acoustic and acid. It's what can be called a psychedelic moment. The melody goes over non-trivial chords and the pauses make me think to MOODY BLUES with a touch of HENDRIX in the guitar solo parts.

The first time I listened to "Blues About Stone" I initially thought to PINK FLOYD's More, but this is just another "standard" slow blues with the bass playing loud enough to supply to the absence of keyboards. A reference can be "Earth and Water Sonf" of the HUMBLE PIE.

Also "Rainy Day" is bluesy, but on the rock side. The vocals are powerful and clean. This song anticipates "Very Heavy Very Humble". There are similarities, but URIAH HEEP came later.

The album is closed by "Where is My Star". It's one of the most progressive songs of the album, again incredibly precursor of URIAH HEEP. The solo in the middle is almost classic blues-rock. However this song contains some hints of the eclectism and experimentalism that this band will apply later.

This debut is one of thier "easiest" albums. Even if I stick on 3 stars please consider that even if non-essential it's GOOD.