If you mention Poland then chances are you'll think of names such as SBB, Collage or Quidam. Fairly new on this not so evident firmament is Ankh whom with Bedzie Tajemnica have delivered a fairly decent album. Strangely though, this is their fourth album, which probably explains their tight sound. For this album the original foursome has been "upgraded" to seven people with still enough room for that splendid violin. In fact the album consists of only four songs, but these have been divided over 23 shorter parts. Even if the Polish singing is a difficult thing accept, "Lancelot" includes enough interesting changes to keep you on your toes from start to finish. The band is unique in integrating well-known themes into their original music. Listen to "W Grocie Krola Gor,' which includes the main theme from Grieg's Peer Gynt. In "Swiat Sen" the singer has us inscribe the name of Björk in her passport. An underground band like Ankh has to extra emaphsize the proverbial influence and does it here with a logical cover version of "21st Century Schizoid man." It wouldn't be a bad idea to spend some time in the pronunciation department though! "Gekko" is a short fragment of classically trained singing so as to smoothen the way for the dark "Pulsohordofon" where we can find some of the avant-garde elements of Höyry Köne. The repetitive structure of "Templum" is addictive, and from the moment where violin is added you're sort of in between psychedelica and folk. Heavy guitars, violin, swinging drums, well-considered structures, clever finds, but unfortunately not a world class production. Maybe the band should switch from Poland to another haven of creative inspiration? Reviewed by: John 'Bo Bo' Bollenberg |
