CZAR

One of many groups from the very start of psychedelic and progressive era that soon disappeared after releasing one album under its name, thus becoming a collectors item. Interesting music, mostly based on rock, which I would not call progressive, but styled (so called art rock). First listening to was pleasant event, but every other spin revealed more distances from progressive music. First song, "Tread softly on my dreams" is unique and most interesting, coupling rock with organ, mellotron and harmony singing. Second song, "Cecelia", at the same time holds some features of the previous song, like mutual vocals and unexpected use of harpsichord, but as it goes, it towards to rock style. Third song is common rock, while fourth, "Dawning of a new day" is very good rock ballad. Two last songs from the official part of album are just pop or pop-rock. Two bonus songs are completely different, "Oh Lord I'm getting heavy" is soul, while "Why don't We be a rock'n roll band" doesn't need any explanation, unfortunately the name says it all. Overall, heavy usage of keyboards sound and unusual singing style are just not enough to move this kind of music to higher, progressive level. Some hardly noticed clicks and pops here and there made me think of its vinyl origin.

Gathering together music diversity, historic aspect and collecting value, rated with three stars.