KORMOR�N

— First review of this album —

''Live In Holland'' was my first KORMOR�N 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 KORMOR�N 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 KORMOR�N 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 ''Kőm�ves Kelemen'' (first big record made with KORMOR�N 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 KORMOR�N 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 KORMOR�N in the 80s) fully deserves your attention.

Back then, in the 60s and 70s, Hungary had a strong rock movement (though only few bands like OMEGA and, in lesser degree, LOCOMOTIV GT became known outside the Eastern Bloc). And Hungary has rich folk traditions. KORMOR��N were probably the first who combined these parts in absolutely natural, organic way.

Founded in 1976, the band released a couple of singles, took part in ''Kőműves Kelemen'' rock opera, came through some line-up changes and only in 1984 released their first LP ''Folk & Roll''. The title says it all: folk traditions and rock power. In many ways it was a revolutionary record. ''Folk & Roll'' defined the band's future sound for many years, most of these songs became classics and were re-recorded, live and in studio, by different KORMOR�N line-ups. Many of them are played in concerts till now. And, last but not least, songs are memorable.

This album does not contain long epics, but songs are quite complex in structure, have good contrasts between lighter and heavier parts, the interplay between acoustic (violin, flute, bagpipes, Turkish pipe) and electric rock instruments is masterful. There is a lot of things to discover with each new listen.

The release of ''Folk & Roll'' made it evident that a unique band, powerful, versatile and at the same time very Hungarian in nature, was born. Personally I prefer some later KORMOR��N records, but nothing would be possible without this short (by today's standards) album. Essential part of the band's discography. Highly recommended.