SBB: Iron Curtain

Remarkably these Polish jazz proggers, legends in their native country, have been around in one form or another since 1971 when they began life as the Silesian Blues Band. They became SBB in 1974 and embarked on a more progressive journey, going on to share stages around Europe with the likes of Soft Machine, Thin Lizzy, Canned Heat and even Bob Marley at the Roskilde festival in '78 (a performance recently issued on CD and reviewed in these very pages). Aside from this lengthy history and despite their advancing years with Iron Curtain they succeed in sounding as fresh, inventive and contemporary as a band just approaching its prime.

Lyrics are only sparingly included throughout with those that are delivered in Polish which will naturally limit their appeal. The title references the former Eastern Bloc and thematically at least this would suggest some kind of loose concept although this will not be apparent for those unfamiliar with the language. That said, this is not an album that relies on words alone to convey its message and the dream-like instrumental passages, with spacious, laid back interludes that allow guitar, keyboards and percussion an equal share of the limelight are able to carry the listener on a diverse musical journey.

Whilst there is ample room for solos and delicate melodies nothing here is longer than six minutes which ensures the flow of the album is maintained at a steady pace. Vocal chants are used effectively on both the opening title track and 'Defilada', both of which boast symphonic overtones with Hammond and Moog very much at the forefront. Guitarist Apostolis Anthymos makes his presence more keenly felt on the more understated and reflective 'Camelele' with some deft fret-work, also very much a feature of 'Sunrise'. In view of the title you would hardly expect ' Dopóki żyje matka jesteś dzieckiem' to be the most commercial sounding number and yet it turns out to be precisely that; an emotive and polished ballad that provides a satisfying close.

An album that will be of considerable interest to prog fans old and new, Iron Curtainis available now across Europe and will be released in the US during April.

Track Listing
1. Iron Curtain (5:07)
2. Defilada (6:07)
3. Camelele (4:50)
4. Rozmowa z Mistrzem (5:13)
5. Opowieść (4:33)
6. Błogosławione dni (5:00)
7. Sunrise (3:01)
8. Góry tańczące (4:40)
9. Dopóki żyje matka jesteś dzieckiem (4:18)

Added: April 15th 2009
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 3550
Language: english

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