ENIGMATIC

I am not Polish, but I was born and grew up just around hundred miles from the village ( in Western Belorus, which was a part Poland till 1939),where Niemen was born and spent his early ears. Later he was deported with thousands of other Polish families from their homeland by Russian occupants to Poland, kind of ethnic cleaning). And I perfectly know these forests and lowlands, and mystic all around of small villages. All these heavily influenced Niemen's music (and full his life).

This fourth artist's album is .... let say a mystic one for me. Just four compositions, but first one takes all side A. It starts with Hammond organ, but not in Lord's tradition. Big part of this song is just dark and mystic Orthodox (possibly more correct - Greek Catholic) church organ with church chorals and bells sound. Niemen sings very recognisable soulful and very passionable voice. I heard his songs from my teens (on Polish radio), so possibly I can't feel the same as just newcomer to this album. I feel strange deep, dark magic , but with bright lights here and there, when listening this song. It's very difficult to put this feeling on paper....

Three other songs are more usual ( to be honest nothing is very usual in Niemen early music) compositions. Mostly proto-prog, combining very soulful and melodic tunes with bluesy roots and many jazz elements (young future fusion sax star Michal Urbaniak plays his solos there as well).Interesting guitar solos and female back-up vocals. But most of all it's common atmosphere - if you will catch it you will love this music, if not - possibly it will be just next proto- prog album for you.

Magic album, based on Polish classic literature. If you understand Polish (as I am), this music will touch you even more. But not the music for everyone. If you're searching for something different from late 60-s - try this.