Four brisk, accessible "art rock" songs, two in English and two in the Czech sextet's mother tongue. The action revolves around the vocal luster of conservatory-trained singer Lada Soukupová, while one or more of the players puts his or her stamp on the action at various intervals. Saxophonist Kuba Doležal is the scene-stealer in "Titanová Mys" — guitarist Tomáš Nykl wrests some of it back with a very tasteful solo. Soukupová's voice is capable of enchantment and this version of William Blake's "The Smile" becomes a nice alternative to Tangerine Dream's with Jocelyn B. Smith, from way back in 1987. Keyboardist Hana Vanková introduces the song with an elegant piano solo, her notes gliding along as if strewn across a bed of flat quartz. The Czech-language songs are, frankly, better; Soukupová is able to step things up a bit. "Cerná" unites funk bass and wah-guitar and juxtaposes both against another smoothly nuanced sax solo. Keyboardist Hana Vanková soaks the proceedings with thick strings and piano, but don't expect vintage sounds or monophonic solos from her — it's evident Quarterstorm isn't into retro. Not exactly "prog," this quartet of tunes is tightly executed and deftly arranged; slick and catchy stuff. It'll be nice to hear a full set.
Tracklist:
1. Titanová Myš (5:02)
2. The Smile (5:15)
3. Chorál Zpívaný Jediným Hlasem (5:16)
4. Černá (5:14)
Total time – 20:47
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