*. Smak .* (Remaster+Bonus)

Album: Stranice našeg Vremena (1978)(Remaster 2008 + 4 Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Jazz/Blues/Funk)  /  Serbia

Without question this is one of the best bands i've heard from the former Yugoslavia. Their previous album "Crna Dama" blew me away and while this one isn't nearly as good it's a solid 4 star album regardless. "Tendzi-Tandzi" has a good beat with guitar then the vocals arrive before a minute.Catchy stuff. "Povedi Me S Njim" is mellow with reserved vocals to start. It picks up quickly as bass and drums join in. It's quite funky when the vocals stop.They return later. "Maht Tema" opens with atmosphere as guitar,bass and drums join in and build. The guitar is soloing over top 2 minutes in then it settles with atmosphere like the intro as themes are repeated.This is a great sounding instrumental. "The Pages Of Our Time" is ballad-like with some organ and reserved vocals but it's still good. I like the guitar solo around 4 minutes to end it. "Nebo Je Samo Drum Bez Dna" features electric piano,drums and atmosphere then it kicks in. Vocals before a minute.Good song. "Ulazak U Harem" opens with atmosphere then the guitar comes exploding in before a minute with drums and bass in tow. This is uptempo as well. "Ponocni Lovac/Biska 18" is the over 11 minute closer. A funky rhythm early then vocals come in after a minute. An uptempo section is led by synths then the guitar takes over leading. Nice. Vocals are back after 4 minutes. The vocal melodies and drums before 8 minutes sound so good. It's building. A change once again follows. I would say this is more fusiony(is that a word?) than the previous album but the songs aren't as strong. Review by "Mellotron Storm" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.75 / 10  **MARVELLOUS**

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