Kopecky - Sunset
Gun 
Back in 1997 for the
first time I heard something from an American trio that called themselves Kopecky.
At the time the name stood for three minds, three musicians and three brothers.
Those three brothers Joe (guitars), Paul
(drums) and William (basses,
sitar & keys) released their first recordings on a simple tape, containing
three tracks on every side. I was probably one of the first people who got
familiar with this guitar-orientated band that only had a few progressive rock
elements in their music. Their instrumental music didn’t do anything to me.
Therefore I found it strange that fellow reviewers through the years loved their
later released albums. Many years and records later I met them at the 2002 Baja
Prog Festival in Mexico. I told them that I hated their debut on tape but on the
other hand I loved their performance, which they did together with Pär
Lindh. The songs that they played during their great live set included
songs, which were not released on any albums yet. Now two years later I found
those songs on their brand new album "Sunset Gun". "Ascension",
"Selqet's kiss" and the title track. These tracks feature a lot more
keyboards compared to the bands’ early days and therefore the music is more in
the direction of progressive rock music. It is obvious that I had more pleasure
in listening to this album as to my first meeting with a simple tape. For most
people the music is difficult to understand because it not only contains prog
elements. We hear metal influences but also fusion and world music. The whole
album also has an Arabic-Eastern feeling. Most of all the song "The divine
art of flying" is a good example of how they use elements from the Far and
Middle East by the use of the sitar. Even the cover goes into this direction
with an image of a mosque. An other reason why their music is difficult to
digest for most people is the way they improvise on a certain theme or melody.
You can hear that they start with a simple tune and add something to it.
Sometimes keyboards or sometimes some extra bass or guitar parts. Sometimes the
music has nothing to tell or gets into a direction, which is very melodic. The
music also reminded me of Dream
Theater and King Crimson.
Bands that also use difficult time signatures in their music. Nowadays it is
much easier for me to understand why fellow reviewers loved this band. Kopecky
has something, which we almost don't find on other prog rock albums. Their
instrumental music is progressive in the real meaning of the word. They dare to
go beyond the musical boundaries. It takes the listener some extra spins to
understand what they try to tell with this kind of music. Most of all you have
to be in the right mood because the music not always makes you feel happy.
Kopecky are really something special. Almost unique. Therefore I found "Sunset
Gun" an interesting album, which brought back a lot of fond memories.
Thanks guys! |
KOPECKY: Sunset Gun
Back in the mid 70s the French record label Musea was releasing all sorts of exotic and progressive instrumental music, mostly by French and European artists who were unknown in America except for a devoted bunch of prog-rock fans. Resurrected by prog-rock mavens back in the 90s, Musea have been keeping the prog-rock banner burning brightly ever since. One American group who fits in quite nicely with Musea¹s original musical prog philosophy is the Wisconsin-based Kopecky. Featuring a gifted musicial alliance of three brothers ‹ Joe Kopecky (electric guitars), Paul Kopecky (percussion) and Bill Kopecky (bass, keyboards, sitar) ‹ Kopecky have released a superb 2003 album on Musea entitled Sunset Gun. A dramatic instrumental assault that blends the best aspects of 70s fusion with exotic World Beat motifs, Sunset Gun rocks hard yet keeps the progressive flame burning brightly. Perhaps it's the fact that these guys are brothers, but there's a musical chemistry at work here that makes Kopecky one of the most intriguing progressive instrumental outfits currently working on either side of the Atlantic. |
KOPECKY: Sunset Gun
My guess is that KOPECKY has their roots somewhere in slavik Europe. These days their home is Racine, Wisconsin, the three brothers William, Joe and Paul Kopecky. They have now reached their third volume (album) in their career which has as signature virtuosic musicianship, a will to break new ground musically and a feeling for beautiful melodic lines. Some sort of cross between YES, DREAM THEATER and Steve Morse's more fusionlike works perhaps. Although with some sitars and other cosy stuff which directs them towards atmospheric psychedelia. --Daniel Reichberg |
KOPECKY: Sunset Gun
It's been almost four years since the Wisconsin-based instrumental trio of Joe, Bill, and Paul Kopecky made their last studio disc Serpentine Kaleidoscope; the time since has obviously been well spent honing their craft and developing new material, as well as the many live appearances they've done as themselves and with their Swedish brother Par Lindh Kopecky. The fire, power, and intense drama of the opening title track leaves no doubt that the brothers have made a major step forward with their latest release. The complex riffs, convoluted twists and turns and jagged eclectic melodic shards that intertwine with the fabric of the tune across its eight minutes brings their sound to a new plateau. Where's that repeat button? As the disc proceeds, the immediate impression is that a lot more time and effort was spent on composition, as compared to previous releases--although that free wheeling jammy vibe is still very much intact. The intense build-up on "Temptation's Screaming Ground" plots its way to a mighty climax over its ten minute trajectory, moving through a number of portals while evolving continuously and never looking back. For "The Divine Art of Flying," the magical sitar is revisited with a simple melodic cycle influenced by a classical Indian theme. In "Ascension," the band plays with the pace, accelerating and slowing, while guitar riffs are tracked by backing synths, slowing further, crashing, then blossoming into a new idea that finds its own way. Definitely the band's best effort to date. --Peter Thelen, April 2004 |
Reviewed by: Stephanie Sollow, October 2004 Sunset Gun is Kopecky's fourth overall release. This trio of brothers creates a pulsating blend of heavy rhythms and shimmering guitars. In Sunset Gun you will find commonalities in sound to Tony Levin - those fat, chunky bass lines of William K - and Rush. Throughout, and most certainly in the opening title track, you can hear echoes of Rush's classic power instrumental "YYZ," but also a bit of "Witch Hunt" (sans vocals). "Sunset Gun" does sounds at first like you are in the midst of horde of flies. While much of the piece seems… linear… there is a passage that is pure organized chaos, and how the bring order back seamlessly is so subtle and a testament to their talent. Adding the punctuation throughout is Paul K on drums and percussion. Besides bass, Bill also plays keyboards and sitar. My favorite moment comes in the second track, "Ascension" with shimmery guitar phrases from third brother Joe K - a similar effect/style can be heard on the darker "Selqet's Kiss" as well, where they contrast well against the deep, throaty… braying mammoth-like bass, and on the at times brassy "Temptation's Screaming-Ground." "Ascension" is given, at first, a softer edge by the wash of keyboards that open the piece. But that soft bed is slashed by the sharper edges of guitar and bass, cutting crisp and precise lines. While the title might be interpreted as different things by folks, there is a sense of … ascension, certainly once Joe is set free on his guitar… the obvious analogies relating to birds in flight; bright, cloud-dotted skies… etc. The menacing darkness of earlier albums is abandoned here, though that isn't to say the band is neither dark nor menacing … it's just a brighter darkness, a less oppressive menace. There is little of either with "The Devine Art Of Flying," (another highlight) which might make one think of California Guitar Trio what with this piece's western-Asian-Middle Eastern hybrid – it's the combo of acoustic guitar and sitar that bring that comparison to the fore, Joe and Bill trading leads. Paul's percussion bridges the two, taking characteristics of both in a sometimes subtle, highly rhythmic manner. Here the dark is light and the menace is peace. There's enough movement in this piece that it never becomes trippy or psychedelic… but it sure is upbeat and cheerful. Not upbeat and cheerful is "Selqet's Kiss" where, as mentioned above, we get some very throaty bass… and for a long passage, very, very deep and throaty… dark and thick as one imagines the primordial ooze might have been. This darkness continues in "Creations's Brief Gift" which begins with the laughter of children's voices. It's a subdued and understated piece… almost like the band are noodling around while they wait for the recording session to start. That is, there's no real direction... it lumbers along in a rut. The passage repeats itself after about two minutes, a bit louder, a little more assertively guitar and bass groaning and moaning in agony… the lumbering beast of the earlier track is slowly dying… Well, yes, in cosmic time, our existence is brief… and in this "show it in slow motion" atmosphere, that brevity lasts 10-plus minutes… though for a good 2 minutes or so it's eerie, howling sounds… like winds blowing across a devastated and desolate landscape… all life has ended and the earth is a cold and barren place. "Temptation's Screaming-Ground" is much livelier, epic with scattershot percussion, rippling guitar riffs and chugging bass. Something epic is going to happen… tension hanging in the air… and what happens is illustrated by the … well, shimmery (yes, that word again) guitar... it's like bright sunlight glinting off a gently undulating sea, whatever lurks below disturbing the water enough to make the waves vibrate. And when that creature surfaces, prepare yourself for fat, heavy, angular bass lines, fiery guitar leads and aggressive drumming… More jazz fusion a la Planet X, without the strong presence of keys (though overall keys are here in this piece), than thrash metal. Well, here we've reached the titular screaming ground, and guitar and bass do indeed scream… angry, agonized, tortured screams. The album closes with "Departure," which begins with a sharp, resounding guitar solo from Joe, leads into a mellower keyboard/acoustic guitar passage (quite beautiful and serene) … Pink Floyd. Yes, that's who you will think of, especially when that throaty bass begins to sing ("Us And Them" is what comes to mind). Joe's guitar soloing here reminds me of Gilmour, of course (given the Floyd reference), but also of Rothery, and yet there are many more notes per phrase than I've heard from either without being a flashy fret-fest. The piece closes out with a final statement from Paul… a coda that concludes with a rhythm like a heartbeat. While Sunset Gun didn't move me as much as their previous studio release Serpentine Kaleidoscope, the trio still manage to make interesting and cinematic sonicscapes that are sure to appeal to fans of progressive instrumental rock – and draw in new ones, too. Rating: 4/5 More about Sunset Gun: Track Listing: Sunset Gun (7:57) / Ascension (5:32) / The Divine Art Of Flying (5:22) / Selqet's Kiss (10:49) / Creation's Brief Gift (10:11) / Temptation's Screaming-Ground (9:49) / Departure (5:42) Musicians: |
My opinion about prog-metal is quite similiar to Thom’s (Boss of artrock.pl) opinion about present, Polish idea of progressive music. Mentioning it makes me shiver, but I’m trying to listen to it, and then I shiver again, because once again I had to revise this rubbish. Maybe it’s because I’ve always liked heavy-metal, hard-rock and progressive rock and connecting it all should be attractive for me. But a presumption is a presumption and reality is different. Fortunately brothers Kopecky are happening. I hit on them a few years ago, indirectly because of Marishka, in occasion of their previous record Serpentine Kaleidoscope. I don’t know why, but it seemed to me that it will be perfect for the evening to bed, before sleeping. They took a ride upon me very professionally, like a road roller with trubo charger and there was no chance to sleep. Mixture of prog-metal and jazz was as loud as attractive. There are a lot of bands serving twisted rhythms and crazy riffs, but Kopecky’s are outstanding, because they know WHY they are doing it. Brothers have precise vision of music, which they are making. Additionally they are great instrumentalists. In comparison with Serpentine Kaleidoscope, Sunset Gun is calmer and gentler album. Except the title track there’s no typical solo ride on it. Instrumental ornaments are tangled very often, but Kopecky’s have never been doing it to pride themselves with their skills. To uninitiated – it is called usable technique and it’s not the point in itself. This is a beautiful, but not an easy music. Melodic and sound variety of this album is great. Dynamic, typical for the genre “Sunset Sun”, sublime, touching some typical progressive issue “Ascension” and three, longer and more complicated compositions – “Selquet’s Kiss” (fine bass in here), “Creation’s Brief Gift” and “Temptation’s Screaming-Ground”. There are even some oriental elements – “The Divine Art Of Flying” (that’s why there is sitar). Virtuosity subordinated to music. To be honest, I need to have day to feel this. Because sometimes I am resistant to the charm of this music. I’m not saying that I stopped liking this disc and it’s not fulfilling my demands. Vice versa - I’m not fulfilling demands of this record. Stylistically “Sunset Gun” is located between two formations of Tony Levin – Liquid Tension Experiment and Bozzio Levin Stevens – less jazzy and more rocky than BLS, but more jazzy than LTE. That’s for enlightening those who don’t know it yet. |
Kopecky: Sunset Gun
After only one listen to Sunset Gun, the third studio album from Wisconsin’s instrumental progressive-metal trio Kopecky, it becomes clear that these brothers have mastered the art of creating dramatic soundscapes that are both accessible and arty. Thanks to French label Musea Records, the Kopeckys — Joe (six- and seven-string guitars), Paul (acoustic and electric drums and percussion) and William (fretted and fretless basses, keyboards and sitar — yes, sitar) — have become something of an international phenomenon, playing dark music that’s as twisted as it is intense. Early on, Sunset Gun sounds as if it’s going to follow in the sinister steps of 1999’s self-titled Kopecky CD and 2000’s Serpentine Kaleidoscope. The title track opens the album with the disconcerting sound of a man gasping for breath, set against an ominous, apocalyptic rumble that gives way to hypnotic beats and chanting before melding into a buzz and then exploding with an off-kilter rhythm. The next track, “Ascension,” plays out like a schizophrenic one-act play, with the guitar as the main character, a pummeling rhythm section as the enemy and hesitant yet ultimately hopeful keyboards as the hero. But then a spirited and jaunty Middle-Eastern vibe (this is where the sitar comes into play) permeates “The Divine Art of Flying,” while the slower tempo of “Departure,” with its lead guitar and commercial melodies, invokes Joe Satriani. Meanwhile, “Selqet’s Kiss” is downright lighthearted, at least until the marathon track’s midway point, when Kopecky resumes its mysterious and menacing sonic violence that seethes throughout most of the band’s other material. And the crying babies that flank the dark and somber “Creation’s Brief Gift” stir uncomfortable thoughts. Even the jazzy self-indulgent jamming on “Temptation’s Screaming-Ground” offers plenty of insight into the band’s musical arsenal. By confidently shedding some of its cold and sharp-edged angles while retaining rich and vital textures, Kopecky finally embraces the kind of musical diversity on Sunset Gun that should earn the band an even stronger following.
Track Listing
Added: February 24th 2004 |
Sunset Gun 
Nuno Published on: 30 Jan 2004 By their third album, this Wisconsin (US) based band formed by three brothers, is showing an evolutionary path that is not to be underrated. Combining their usual complex hard prog/rock with other well defined but very apart genres, such as ethnic parts, ambient soundscapes, symphonic venues and psychedelic intrusions, upon the Rush, Maximum Indifference, Gordian Knot (just listen to Selkqet’s Kiss) and harder King Crimson reminiscences, Kopecky seems to be slowly approaching a very personal, peculiar and enjoyable self-determined genre. While in terms of sound, some parts may sound harsh and rough (usually the most metallic parts), they are in fact intricate and deeply elaborated. Furthering a bit the description of their sound, it is based upon a complex instrumental hard metallic edge in which every other aforementioned specified genres are entwined and thoughtfully incrusted. While at first listen the music was not that much appealing to me, I discovered that this album is set to be heard and better enjoyed with headphones, as the music sounds much tighter and complete this way. There are atmospheres and sonic scenarios slowly created from hard crafted parts where melodic guitar lines and occasional eerie ambiences emerge. The ethnic Indian sitar in the third track (The divine art of flying) brings us yet another side of this band’s sense of musicality, as it works as a window opener to a world of new possibilities. The fretless bass playing (sometimes reminding me of Sean Malone) and the guitar soloing is not to be underestimated here, for it achieves really high ranks in terms of quality and objectiveness. Overall, this album will be most appreciated by hard prog fans, instrumental prog metalheads and some guitar virtuoso hard fusion lovers. For those and the ones that like the bands I mentioned in the second paragraph, this comes naturally recommended. |
| Kopecky Sunset Gun (Musea) Produit par Kopecky 
Quatrième production de Kopecky - nom de famille de ces trois frères du Wisconsin, qui, depuis 1997, restent fidèle à leur origines, le progressif instrumental, de préférence complexe - Sunset Gun voit le groupe arriver chez Muséa, après avoir écumé les labels, de Mellow à Cyclops Records, et les premières parties : Planet X, Spock’s Beard, Flower Kings ou Thinking Plague, excusez du peu ! Une seule écoute permet de consater que, chez Kopecky, il n’y a pas que le parcours qui soit tordu. Deux adjectifs, finalement peu usités pour décrire le rock progressif instrumental en vogue ces dernières années, suffisent à décrire Kopecky : sombre et surtout imprévisible. Il faudrait donc plus se pencher du côté de King Crimson et de Djam Karrett pour trouver une filiation à Sunset Gun. Les sept – longs - titres des Américains empruntent en effet aux premiers leur amour du riff asymétrique et saturé, et aux seconds leur goût pour les atmosphères contrastées et sophistiquées. Ainsi en témoignent le bien nommé « Ascension », aux guitares martiales sur fond de claviers planants, ou « the Divine Art of Flying » et son ambiance indienne très bien retranscrite. Un autre lien de parenté, non revendiqué par le groupe mais bien présent, lie Kopecky à la nouvelle génération du metal progressif, Gordian Knot et Aghora en tête : impossible de ne pas s’y référer à l’écoute de cette guitare aggressive et toute en power chords, ou cette basse bavarde dont le seul but semble être de suivre la six-cordes lorsqu’elle est en solo, et de s’en départir lorsqu’elle revient en rythmique ! « Temptation’s Screaming-Ground » est à ce titre exemplaire, rassemblant en dix minutes épiques l’intégralité de ces caractéristiques, avec une pincée de Dream Theater dernière période pour les riffs. De bout en bout, ce Sunset Gun est passionnant, accessible et d’une ouverture d’esprit bien rare dans le genre instrumental. La production est au diapason avec un bel équilibre d’ensemble favorisant tour à tour basse et batterie avec intelligence, le tout sonnant, jusqu’aux sonorités de claviers, parfaitement moderne. Il ne manque plus qu’un supplément de mélodies mémorisables pour que Kopecky atteigne le niveau stratosphérique du projet de Sean Malone. Il s’agit donc d’une bonne surprise, pour un groupe qui s’inscrit dans la lignée des artistes contemporains supportés par des labels tels Cuneiform ou Laser’s Edge, mais que Muséa a su avec flair attirer dans son giron. Originalité :  Interet :  Production : Note globale : 8 Julien Monsenego |
Kopecky - Sunset Gun
Le groupe, originaire du Wisconsin, existe depuis 1999. Il est composé de Joe Kopecky, guitares, Paul Kopecky, percussions, et William Kopecky, basses, claviers et sitar. « Sunset Gun » est leur troisième album studio. Les frères Kopecky écrivent les compositions instrumentales et signent les arrangements et la production. C’est un amalgame d’atmosphères étranges avec des influences qui vont de la musique indienne au metal en passant par l’ambient, le progressive rock et la musique ethnique. Néanmoins, et ce n’est pas le moindre paradoxe, leur approche musicale reste très originale. « Sunset Gun » entame le CD de façon bizarre : on croirait entendre un essaim d’abeilles. Ensuite, le côté metal du groupe surgit et la basse brille de mille feux. La batterie prend le relais pour notre plus grand plaisir, alors que la musique évolue vers un prog rock aérien. « Ascension » est aussi un morceau plein de surprises pour une musique très belle et qui a des relents de rock symphonique. Ce qui frappe ici, c’est l’inventivité dans les thèmes et la façon très originale de les mettre en valeur. Le sitar de William Kopecky introduit « The Divine Art Of Flying » et l’effet est très réussi. Cette alternance de style donne de la variété à l’ensemble et met en valeur la qualité de la mélodie et des percussions. C’est l’un des meilleurs titres de l’album. Après un début qui rappelle de loin Led Zeppelin, « Selqet’s Kiss » a un petit air martial teinté d’influences ethniques. La musique possède un côté pompeux qui alourdit le propos et ternit un peu l’ensemble. Heureusement, la qualité de jeu de William Kopecky à la fretless bass sauve plusieurs fois la mise. « Creation’s Brief Gift » commence et se termine par des pleurs de bébés. Entre les deux surgit une musique très éthérée et sophistiquée truffée d’inventivité ! Les thèmes musicaux se recoupent en un bouquet de percussions soutenues par la basse. On n’est pas loin parfois de Led Zeppelin, alors que « Temptation’s Screaming Ground » évoque irrésistiblement King Crimson mais avec quelques passages nettement plus saccadés. Paul Kopecky s’y défoule complètement et remarquablement à la batterie. Enfin, « Departure » laisse une impression de rupture avec ce qui précède. La musique se fait plus douce et plus racoleuse, avec des passages magnifiques à la basse. Les riffs de guitare sont tout sauf agressifs. Ils donnent un peu de relief au ventre mou du morceau. Cela se termine sur un semblant de mélodie pop agrémentée de thèmes récurrents, avec un break final surprenant. Très influencés par les groupes Européens des années 70, les frères Kopecky ont parfaitement assimilé l’esprit de leur musique, qui n’a pas grand-chose à voir avec l’Amérique et ses grands espaces. En résumé, un bon album un peu inégal par moments mais une découverte de plus à mettre à l’actif du label indépendant. Pays: USA Muséa Records FGBG 4498.AR Sortie: 2004/01 Ajouté: 05-Mar-2004 |
| Kopecky Sunset Gun 
 L'ascolto di questo album dei tre fratelli Kopecky, Joe, Paul e William, uscito per la Musea, è stata per il sottoscritto una piacevolissima sorpresa. Non conoscevo la musica di questi ragazzi del Wisconsin, già autori di 3 album dal 1999 ad oggi e quindi non proprio alle prime armi in campo musicale. In "Sunset Gun" i Kopecky si cimentano in una mistura molto originale fatta di hard-progressive di grande atmosfera condita con aperture sinfoniche e sonorità orientaleggianti, un'originale alchimia sonora che non trova evidenti analogie verso una particolare band del recente passato. Pur essendo un album interamente strumentale, con molteplici cambi di ritmo e basato sull'esibizione di tecnica esecutiva dei musicisti, non risulta mai ostico o poco digeribile ma anzi esibisce un'invidiabile fluidità ed una musicalità molto profonda ed accattivante. Brani come l'iniziale title-track e la successiva "Ascension" non puntano su un motivo dai contorni ben definiti da sviluppare secondo i canoni architettonici, ma sono piuttosto sorretti da un'atmosfera ariosa ottenuta con le tastiere, all'interno della quale i tre musicisti agiscono senza evidenti costrizioni. Molto belle anche l'onirica "The Divine Art Of Flying" grazie all'intervento di sitar ed ai passaggi fantasiosi di batteria e "Selqet's Kiss", così carica di mistero e fascino orientale. Senza alcun incidente di percorso l'album scorre meravigliosamente e si chiude con la splendida "Departure", l'episodio forse più lineare, costruito su un lungo assolo di chitarra malinconico nonché di elevato impatto emotivo. Credetemi, "Sunset Gun" è un album che più si ascolta, più riesce a far breccia sia nel cuore che nel cervello. Decisamente consigliato !! 
I have never heard anything about the three Kopecky brothers from Wisconsin (Usa), even if they have already recorded two studio albums since 1999. So this brand new "Sunset Gun" under Musea label is my first experience with their sound. What a beautiful experience !! It's an instrumental album mixing an athmospheric hard progressive rock with symphonic openings and oriental tunes; the sound alchemy is really original because I can't find any exact definition or a clear influence taken from a famous band of the past (maybe some Rush traces ??). Although it's instrumental and shows the high musicians skillness, the album easily flows with a wide musicality and without extreme complexities. The title-track and "Ascension" haven't a precise outline, but have supported by an airy keyboard atmosphere. The oniric "The Divine Art Of Flying" is led by a fanciful drumming and an impressive sitar sound. "Selqet's Kiss" is full of mystery and oriental fascination. Finally, "Departure" is the most conventional track, built around a melodic (and melancholic) guitar solo. Believe me, the more you listen to "Sunset Gun" the more it conquers both your heart and your mind. Recommended! Luca Alberici |
(55 min, Musea)   TRACK LIST: 1. Sunset Gun 7:57 2. Ascension 5:32 3. The Divine Art of Flying 5:22 4. Selqet's Kiss 10:49 5. Creation's Brief Gift 10:11 6. Temptation's Screaming-Ground 9:49 7. Departure 5:42 All tracks: by Kopecky. LINE-UP: Joe Kopecky - electric & acoustic guitars William Kopecky - basses; keyboards; sitar Paul Kopecky - drums & percussion Engineered by C. Djuricic at "One", Wisconsin. Prolusion. "Sunset Gun" is the third studio album by this well-known US group, consisting of three brothers, and is their first release for Musea Records. Synopsis. While the traces of influences of Rush are apparent here and there on the album, and especially on Ascension (2), I can say for sure that these guys are not only fantastically masterful musicians, but are also exceptionally inventive composers and arrangers. The music on most of the tracks is notable for constantly developing, yet, always logically structured arrangements, and is highly polymorphous in character, and yet, is immediately attractive. Both of the guitar and symphonic kinds of Art-Rock, Prog-Metal, Jazz-Fusion, and also, but to a lesser degree, oriental and classical music are among the perceptible constituents of the style presented on the album's title track and Selqet's Kiss (1 & 4). On Creation's Brief Gift and Temptation's Screaming-Ground (5 & 6) Jazz-Fusion and classical music are out, and a dark, unusual Space Rock in. Overall however, these four are about Fifth Element, as all of them possess some features, the essence of which can hardly be determined differently than just a high innovation. The same words can be said about The Divine Art of Flying (3), although most of its structures are related to Indian and Chinese classical music. This is a truly absorbing composition, carrying me away to 'Prog' heaven. William Kopecky works wonders while playing Sitar here, and especially fretless bass, which, though, spreads to the entire album. As mentioned above, Ascension has a rather obvious 'Rush' feel to it, but there are some episodes, the music in which is so profound and intriguing that the legendary Canadians could, maybe, only dream of. The arrangements on the last track, Departure (7), are also woven of familiar, clearly recognizable textures. Which, however, doesn't imply that there is any likeness between them and those in Rush. The music is a guitar Art-Rock with elements of symphonic Art-Rock and Jazz-Fusion, but it's completely original and is hardly less interesting than the other pieces. The passages of acoustic guitar, braided with basic arrangements, and a long drum solo are just a couple from a wide variety of details forming this very eventful composition. Conclusion. "By Pros for Pros" (ProGfessors, ProGfessionals, etc) could be a proper epigraph to the "Sunset Gun" album by Kopecky. Thus, most, if not all, of you dear readers of these lines might be happy to have this CD in your collection. Put it there - once and forever. VM: March 16, 2004 |
| Kopecky - "Sunset Gun" (Musea Records 2003, FGBG 4498.AR)  Uploaded to Aural Innovations: March 2004 Ethno-progressive-psychedelic rock from three brothers in Wisconson. Who would have thought? These guys really gel and flow and move well with each other as the 7 different musical pieces take you to different places. While the bio says the new material is more complex than previous releases, it is not overly so. Joe is an accomplished guitar player, while brother William plays all the basses, sitar and keyboards and Paul plays the drums. A few times the keyboards were a bit too new age sounding for me, but overall it reminds me the most of RUSH. I am not sure why but it does. "The Divine Art Of Flying" features some nice sitar, not trying to show off, just playing a nice melody for the bass and guitars to layer upon. "Sleqet’s Kiss" is a progressive rock workout number with some really fantastic cool bass lines and sounds. If you like to hear really excellent and interesting bass playing this is a great CD to check out. "Creations Brief Gift" is a good demonstration. "Temptation’s Screaming Ground" is probably the heaviest track on the CD and the only one I would even remotely consider to have a heavy metal guitar, as has been written in other reviews. The CD closes with "Departure". Not as heavy as I had expected and incredible playing, especially the bass. Reviewed by Scott Heller |
 Data: 2004-01-21 09:51:53 Temat: Kopecky - Sunset Gun na goraco Nadawca: ddarek Greetings! I finally got a hold of the new record issued at the end of November 2003 by the Kopecky brothers!!! As a reminder, this is already the fourth disk from the American trio after the self-titled debut in 1999, the wonderful Serpentine Kaleidoscope in 2000, and the concert album, Orion, from 2001 (which I don't own :( ). Well, the music included in Sunset Gun seems to oscillate between the debut and the second albums. Yet it's more illustrated. Not without reason is a sunset over a mosque visible on the cover, for here we find, similar to Serpentine, a great deal of oriental vibes, and the sitar heightens this impression. Melancholy, reflection as well as a myriad amazing guitar and bass passages. There are moments when Joe seems to play like Jarzombek slowed down :). It's difficult for me to say if Sunset Gun is better than Serpentine...it's a little bit different. I think it can safely be stated that Kopecky has created their own style because it's by no means possible to put their music into any category... What I like the most at the moment is the almost ten minute long "Temptation's Screaming-Ground." |
  Artist: KOPECKY Title: Sunset Gunr Label: Musea Records Year of release: 2003 Sunset Gun follows in the style as their first two releases, self-titled Kopecky CD and Serpentine Kaleidoscope. This time they seem to have a more mature sound whereas more exploration with quieter sounds are included. Each track is an amazing sonic journey. I only wished more prog-metal bands would follow in KOPECKY’s footsteps. The reason, there isn’t any of that nonsense noodling and “look at me, I’m a Malmsteen wannabee # 4,993". They also seem to be on the same playing field as Djam Karet. The only difference, to me, is that KOPECKY stays more in the metal side of the genre. Now a double billing of the two bands would be a sonic delight. (Hint Hint to any prog promoters). Kopecky deserves more exposure and hopefully with Sunset Gun and some nice reviews, they’ll get that exposure. Please help out if you will and buy a copy today. Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on April 20th, 2004 |