Record Reviews

STARK BAND ~ STARK BAND NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 9008798181506) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by young Slovak Funk / Soul ensemble called Stark BandFind albums by this artist, which is an octet fronted by female vocalist Katarina DemskaFind albums by this artist and featuring a brass section: Tomas JavnickyFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Frantisek BabcakFind albums by this artist on trumpet and Ivan KopecekFind albums by this artist on trombone, and a smoking rhythm section: guitarist Juraj KovacFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Peter TelepcakFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter KocisFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukas KorchnakFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, eight of which feature vocals (in English and Slovak), most of which were co-composed by Kovac and Telepcak with lyrics by Kovac or Demska and Kovac. Telepcak was in charge of the brass arrangements. Why on earth would I write about this album? Well life is a series of coincidences and this album landing in my lap (so to speak) is one of them. About a month ago I stayed in the beautiful Slovak town of Kosice and Stark Band played a concert in a pub just across the street of my hotel. I was completely knocked out by the energy and talent of these young musicians and asked them if they already made an album, which they did – this is it. Ergo it´s been playing in my car and at my home ever since. Stark Band creates a wonderful combination of vintage Funk / Soul, somewhat similar to the Earth, Wind & FireFind albums by this artist idiom, with contemporary Pop sound, all spiced with vitality, elegance and good taste. The songs are all incredibly catchy and yet sophisticated melodically and harmonically, immediately placing the music on a much higher plane that most contemporary Pop music. The Jazzy brass arrangements add flavor and flair to the tunes, as do the scorching guitar solos and the Funky rhythm section keeps the tunes moving forward and the listeners moving their heaps and feet to the pulse. Demska has a fine soulful voice and even manages to get away safely with the English lyrics. Some bands like Stark Band work only live and their recordings are quite pale in comparison with the on stage performances, but this album manages to preserve the band´s spirit quite well. Considering the fact that it was self produced by the band, it really is a superb calling card and a most impressive debut. Of course I already look forward to hear their sophomore outing. This kind of music should not be overanalyzed – it is meant to give the audience a good time and at the same time convey an artistic message – this album does both of these tasks admirably. I am definitely happy that out paths have crossed and hope they will cross again in the future. Thanks for the music!

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