This exquisite two-CD set pairs
Svehlík's last two albums, first released as samizdat (illegal) cassettes in 1985 --
Studio 1982 and Studio Marno -- the latter recorded in 1983 while the group was performing under the name Marno Union. Both albums are studio recordings of acceptable quality (excellent when considering the conditions available to non-recognized musicians in communist Czechoslovakia). The lineup on both CDs mainly consists of Pavel Richter (guitar, vocals), Lesík Hajdovsky (guitar), Pavel Svec (bass), and Ivan Pavlu (drums). The music allies the complexities of progressive rock (particularly in terms of structures and developments) with new wave's quirkier side. Comparisons can include King Crimson's Red and
the Talking Heads' first albums, but also the Belgian avant prog outfit
Present's classic "Promenade au Fond d'un Canal." Challenging, oppressive, and highly creative, Richter's compositions explore the use of cycling rhythmical and melodic motifs grinding against each other (completely in phase with Fripp's music circa Discipline and Roger Trigaux's use of repetition to create menace). Svec's tunes tend to be lighter, even psychedelic at times, while the two pieces contributed by Hajdovsky on Studio Marno run a parallel course to what he was doing in Manzelé at the time (including the same drum machine). The appearance of warped tape loops, multi-tracked vocals, and an eerie quote from
the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" (in "Nedele," a highlight) give the music its edge. The booklet includes extensive liner notes in English, a rarity. Highly recommended to fans of dark avant prog, prog rock derivative of King Crimson, and the very unique atmosphere Czech rock conveyed in the late '70s and early '80s. ~ François Couture