PAMIęć

Very interesting release from S.B.B. recorded in 1975. This Polish band offers up a stew of atmospheric Jazz and dashes of Symphonic music with drums and an array of keyboards (grand piano, Fender piano, Hammond organ and minimoog) leading the way. There are some vocals in Polish but not a lot.

"W Kolysce Dioni Twych (Ojcu)" opens with sparse cymbals, keys and guitar sounds before organ comes floating into this atmospheric intro. Vocals 2 minutes in and they are the focus as not much else is going on. The song finally and thankfully kicks into gear before 3 1/2 minutes as drums and organ lead the way, although vocals continue. Nice beat 5 1/2 minutes in. The tempo picks up 7 minutes in. It settles with vocal melodies before 8 1/2 minutes. "Z Ktorych Krwi Krew Moja" opens much like the first track with lots of atmosphere as keys, cymbals and guitar calmly play. Vocals after a minute. A fuller and better sound 1 1/2 minutes in. It settles back down quickly though. This contrast continues. Some vocal melodies before 5 minutes as we get some impressive drumming. Great sound 5 1/2 minutes in. The guitar is lighting it up 6 minutes in. Some atmosphere a minute later as it calms right down. Vocals after 7 1/2 minutes as themes are repeated.

"Pamiec W Kamieri Wrasta" opens with spacey winds. Lots of atmosphere follows as floating organ comes in then vocal melodies. A change after 5 minutes as the organ stops and keys take over. We start to get more of a melody 6 minutes in as it gets heavier and darker. It doesn't last long though as it calms right down. Vocals come in and i have to say that this section sounds so much like RADIOHEAD, you'd be surprised. Check it out after 8 minutes. Guitar 9 minutes in and a fuller sound. More atmosphere takes over. A GENESIS flavour 10 1/2 minutes in. Back to the atmosphere as drums and bass lead the way. Guitar 15 minutes in goes on and on as the tempo picks up. Nice. It settles right down 19 minutes in to end it. Amazing side long track !

This record seems to get better as it plays out. I admit I still find parts of this album difficult to really enjoy, mostly some of the early vocal sections. Still worth 4 stars though as the title track is pure genius.