NAHORU PO SCHODIŠTI DOLŮ BAND:

Svinska pržola

Nahoru Po Schodisti Dolu Band: Svinska Przola

Svinska Przola is the Nahoru Po Schodisti Dolu Band's third album and their first for the label Black Point. Fans had to wait four years for this one, but the results are worthy of their patience. This is a party band Czech-rock style: exuberant like a circus band, mischievous, pairing East-European folk influences with heavy rock. The occasional lightness of the music is counterbalanced by the lyrics of drummer Marek Brodsky, a master of black humor. The seven-piece group balances electric and acoustic instruments, including accordion, saxophone, and clarinet. The music remains simple, straightforward, and contagious, but it doesn't fall into lowest-denominator facility. It draws on ska, Klezmer, Hungarian folk, and the festive spirit of Czech rock. Home comparisons would include pub rockers like Pod Cerny Vrch and Echt! (although both are more punk), but thestrongest similarities are found in France's Louise Attaque or Quebec's Polémil Bazar. Highlights include Ruzovej Zivot, Ze Zvyku, and Holky Se Mnou Nechtej Spát, all irresistible to sing despite the language barrier. The album opens and ends with the high-octane instrumental title track. We could have done without the bonus track Dysko Song O95, but beside that there is nothing to complain about. Fans of the lighter side of Czech rock (and those looking for unusual music for their next party) will find this very interesting.