NASTROJE

Too many time is gone from them being leading Eastern European prog band in early 70-s. Even if they played (and even recorded) many concerts in early 00', this album is interesting because it contains new material.

As old SBB fan I have really nostalgic feeling to band music, so it wasn't easy to judge this album. First of all every their early albums fan will easily recognize band's characteristic guitar sound, vocals (even if some songs are sung in English on this album) and most important - atmosphere. And it's a great part of my opinion.

From other hand, album is obviously unfocused, besides of few great songs contains many fillers, many moments are just out of place. It was re-released by EMI, and it obviously means one big reason of such album was just money. It didn't destroy whole impression, but besides of pleasant nostalgic feeling there are mixed impression when you listen it as well.

Few songs from very beginning sounds more as pop-rock nostalgic tunes, then things became better, but again, very eclectic mix of styles, ballades, instrumentals,some out of place long solos, strange vocals look more as collection of out-takes, unreleased materials or rehearsal recordings than real new studio album.

Mostly release for old fans and collectors, it contains a few good songs though. Possibly more important starting from this album's release the band returned to active recordings, and new albums are coming regularly till now. From what I heard of that period the band can hardly repeat their success from 70-s, but they are still attractive for their old fans.

My rating is 2,5, rounded to 3.

This legendary band have always excelled at being original and innovative. Their spirited live performances display exceptional intensity. In the studio they focus on more lyrical pieces that often contain spacey arrangements, but generally in a more laid-back way.

"Nastroje" finds the band returning to the scene after a few years break. Judging by what's on offer here, they haven't matured during that time. Rather it seems that they've almost completely lost their former essence. The album is a collection of largely insignificant pieces.

New drummer, Paul Wertico (Pat Metheny Group) doesn't really lift the game here. A very capable musician, his contribution here is nothing more than just keeping the beat .Even his drum solo is just a boring filler piece.

The first interesting tune is track 6, that sounds much like a Pat Metheny number! Finally, "Don't Look Back" is perhaps the first and last tune (what an ironic title!) that does justice to the band. A really nice, slightly jazzy and endearing melody with great Moog and guitar runs, but the last two minutes of sounds of rolling waves, background chatter are totally needless.

Well, they should have "Looked Back" as only two decent tunes on a whole album is rather poor showing. I have to agree with "snobb" on the rating of 2.5, but I will have to round it down, instead of up. Pretty sad.