JESKYNE (CAVES)

UZ JSME DOMA are from the Czech Republic and have been around long enough to know what it's like to be harassed by the communist government. Not on the level that PLASTIC PEOPLE OF THE UNIVERSE were, but they formed in the mid-eighties, during the height of the cold war. They are a four piece of essentially bass, drums, trumpet and guitar. And we get plenty of vocals in their own language. He pretty much shouts the words bringing punk to mind, in fact this is a post-punk band. High energy with the vocals or trumpet always seeming to lead the way and dominate the sound.

This band is unorthodox with even the track listing being different as they open the album with the title track that is 42 seconds long. And they close with the next shortest track at under 1 1/2 minutes. Lots of guests on here with violin, accordion, trombone, contrabass and female vocals helping out. But make no mistake this is a ball of fire and the trumpet makes me laugh the way he blasts away constantly. I am so entertained every time I spin this. I "get" why this was on a lot of end of the year lists for 2010. A very rhythmic album with the bass and drums laying that foundation, and they groove. I actually thought of HOYRY-KONE the first time I heard it. This is such a catchy album.

While I have a top three I also want to mention "Fascination" for the gorgeous sound before 4 minutes to the end. Out of character this section and it is a beautiful thing. "Reel" is a top three and it has a nice heavy sound to it. Ceilings" is interesting with the piano, bass and drums as the trumpet hits and runs. Lastly "Cranny" where the bass and drums steal the show, but I also have to say the trumpet sounds best here to my ears. Some silly vocals which I like and check out those vocal arrangements starting before 3 minutes.

This is a band that tours a lot. These guys are the ultimate pros whether in the studio or on the stage, they entertain. Great album, and easily 4 stars. A lot of fun.