Translated by Horia Diaconescu

 

Progresiv TM was a group formed in 1972, in Timisoara. It is one of the bands that succesfully managed to draw attention in a scene dominated by numerous changes and instability. Bands popped up and dissapeared, in an attempt to find the magic formula of an artistic act correlated with public recognition. One of these, Clasic XX was the foundation for a new band, whose members also passed through other groups with no destiny, such as Clasicii, Ritmic, Reflex or Cascada.

 

Resisting to line-up changes, Harry Coradini – voice, Ladislau Herdina – guitar, voice, Ilie Stepan – bas, Hely Moszbrucker – drums, percussions, Mihai Farcas – drums, piano, percussion, Gheorghe Torz – flute, succeed after four years of activity to produce their first LP, introduced with a single (“Anotimpuri”, “Amintiri”) and numerous TV appearances and concerts.

Just as their name announces us, the genre they approach is progressive of a local kind. Ample compositions in many parts, pretentious arrangements, lenghty solistical moments are only several of this band’s and album’s characteristics. However, the commercial side can be felt throughout the whole material, a reason that makes us conclude the label “pop” used back then by the press, isn’t totally meaningless. I appreciate the band’s orientation towards “monumental” themes, but unfortunatelly the album versions of their compositions, with “adjusted” lyrics (most often due to self-censorship) lead sometimes to dead corners.

The main theme and the bass line from “Omul e valul” (1) remind Iron Butterfly. Excellent flute and guitar solos on a powerful rhythmic and armonic background. All these should take into account that between Romanian and British-like rock there is a rarely covered distance.

“Nimeni nu e singur” (2) is a lyrical song where instrument players try to lead their task to the end and where the listener can get some 70’s pop hit flavour.

“Rusinea soarelui” (3) offers a well done theme, colored by flute in an interesting manner.

Just as the following composition “Clepsidra” (4), the hard-rock way proves to be the right thing. “Clepsidra” is one of the best moments on the album. The bass solo, the poli-rhythmicity and the strong progressive side make this song special.

“Odata doar vei rasari” (5), albeit conceived on a pretentious tone, with recitation and the already established instrumental dialogue, remains however a commercial song (of course, relating this statement to the Progresiv TM music).

“Va cadea o stea” (6), less elaborate, is another succesful moment due to its sincerity.

“Dreptul de a visa – poetul devenirii noastre” (7) stands, together with “Clepsidra”, as an authentic “chapter” in Romanian progressive rock. The sound reminds major international bands. However, repeating several passages as they are diminishes the effect (otherwise excellent) obtained exclusively through their own individuality. Elements of jazz-rock can be felt, while the generous solos bring into Romanian music, something out of the universal spirit of the genre.

Compositions belong to Ladislau Herdina (1-3, 5-7) and Ilie Stepan (4) whose activity would later be connected to the destiny of another legendary band from Timisoara, Pro Musica. Lyrics have been written by Stefan Kovacs and the cover has been done by no one other than Valeriu Sepi from Phoenix.