UP THE RIVER

Up The River was recorded and released in quite dramatic for Poland period - anti Communist dictatorship atmosphere was on every street, but regime still was in control of situation in the country.

No strange that band, known by its conceptual theatrical shows prepared the program, full of dramatics and that moment street's atmosphere. Band played this program in all biggest Polish cities that year.

I have a mixed feeling about this release. I perfectly understand (and remember) tension and adrenaline of these months in all Eastern Europe. And I easily can imagine how such musical shows looked in that time scenes. But when listen this recording now, I hear bulky, not very focused soundtrack. Yes - music is mix of neo-classic, chamber avant, strongly influenced by RIO, with narrative voices (in Polish). But without visual part, this music sounds as audio part for unreleased video (happening, play - whatever you want).

Firstly released as audio cassette only, it was re-released as LP two years later in UK. Interesting legacy, but hardly an essential musical album.