PIESEň Z HÔľ

On the second Fermata album, a prog/fusion outfit from Slovakia, the band solidifies its sound. The music is less frantic and wild then on their debut (which I liked!) and the band also makes more uses of synthesizers. The production is more wide sounding and detailed. The eleven minute opening track has an up-tempo bass line and and some fierce playing on drums and guitar. Bass player Anton Jaro takes a step forward here in the mix with his thumping bass guitar sound. After that almost all pieces are rather pleasant but un-impressive fusion pieces. The first side is pleasant enough, but on the second side the dominance of the synth leads over the rather tame chords patterns and rhythms becomes a bit boring to be honest. The seven minute piece 'Priadky' is still quite versatile though, albeit without the much needed stand-out moments the album needs at this stage. Frantisek Griglák switches between guitar and synth and I don't think Fermata sounds that good without him spicing thinks up with his electric guitar. In contrast to their debut this album is mainly interesting for fans of fusion/jazz-rock, whereas the debut should appeal to eclectic prog fans as well.