LIVE IN HOLLAND

''Live In Holland'' was my first KORMORÁN purchase and I was pleasantly surprised. I can't say I was blown away, but after listening to this album it became clear to me that this band is something special and I want to get at least some of their other records. Being familiar with music of some Hungarian bands and artists I, probably subconsciously, felt that I miss something, namely powerful rock band with deep national roots. Finally I've found what I was searching for in KORMORÁN music.

''Live In Holland'' offers a good musical variety. There are Balkan tunes (''Macedon Express''), Hungarian folk in most pieces and even reggae rhythm in ''Adjon az Isten'' (''May the Lord Provide''). And all these ingredients have strong rock base. Flute parts obviously remind me of JETHRO TULL, though I have no idea whether Ian Anderson was an inspiration for Gergely Koltay. Vocals are not extraordinary (in my opinion the band has better singers in 2000s), but good for the songs. Anyway KORMORÁN have their own sound, and I can say the sound is powerful.

The track list is also interesting, there are only 3 tracks from the band's debut album ''Folk & Roll'', 1 song from 1982 rock opera ''Kőmíves Kelemen'' (first big record made with KORMORÁN participation) and 6 then, in 1985, new songs. These new songs, especially ''Kedvesem'' (''My Sweetheart'') which begins like a ballad and ends as a fiery dance with sparkling violin solo, became KORMORÁN classics, we can listen to their initial versions on this live album.

My only complaint is needless 2-second gaps between songs on CD (I have not heard the LP). But in general the album (by the way, the only live record made by KORMORÁN in the 80s) fully deserves your attention.