CEI CE NE-AU DAT NUME

To quote the liner notes: "They began by doing covers of BEATLES songs, but soon had to change their style since the Romanian communist regime disliked any form of western culture.The regime suggested that all rock oriented bands look for inspiration within the Romanian culture.These restrictions made the band's leader Nicolae Covaci search within the Romanian folklore, which gave them a unique sound".This was the first LP to be recorded in Romania by a Romanian band. The music here is very much Progressive Rock with an ethnic flavour. My first listen didn't go too well, but subsequent spins have really changed my mind completely about this gem. I think what bothered me initially was the Romanian vocals, particularly on track four which is still my least favourite. This has since grown on me to the point where I think these guys are incredible.

"Preludia-A Oiler" is a 1 minute intro of raw guitar melodies throughout. It blends into "Preludia-Jocul Timpului" where the electric guitar settles and is joined by acoustic guitar and what sounds like flute. Bass and drums come in late. Great sound here. "Primavara-Introducere" is an uptempo with acoustic and electric guitars. Drums and bass join in. "Primavera-Paparuga" is the one with vocals only to open. They stop as music comes in and then the vocals join the music. Prominant bass in this one. "Vara-Vara" is where they start to let their hair down. Raw guitar to open as vocals join in. Vocal harmonies come in with a sixties feel.The guitar is back after 1 1/2 minutes. A fuzzed out bass solo is followed by guitar 3 1/2 minutes in. Vocals return late. "Toamna-Toamna" is a catchy track with vocals and harmonies again giving us a sixties vibe. Check out the guitar 2 minutes in that goes on and on to end it ! "Iarna-Introducere" has a sixties flavour as vocals, guitar and bass stand out.

"Iarna-Jocul Caprelor" features lots of bass and drums early, guitar before a minute. "Nunta-Nunta" opens with raw sounding guitar as drums come pounding in. Vocals join in too. The guitar starts to rip it up after 1 1/2 minutes. "Nunta-Negru Voda-Balada" is the almost 15 minute epic. Violin opens this one as bass joins in then the guitar starts to light it up. A great rhythm follows.Violin is back 2 minutes in and vocals follow. Themes are repeated. I really like the drumming 5 1/2 minutes in. A guitar solo follows with bass and drums. When the guitar stops the bass solos 8 1/2 minutes in. Vocal melodies come in. Violin is back before 12 minutes. "Nunta-Pseudo-Morgana" builds to a good heavy sound after 2 minutes in. Fantastic sound before 5 minutes.

Some really good stories in the liner notes about their history, especially in regards to being under a communist regime. A solid 4 stars.