OSADA VIDA – Particles (2013)

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Polish Prog band OSADA VIDA has been around in one shape or another since the late ’90s, and since then they have released five full length albums during the past decade.
I never heard about them or their music before, but when I read singer Marek Majewski joined the band last year, knew I ought to investigate. Marek is the ex-vocalist of Acute Mind, to me, the group responsible for the best Prog record in 2010 (presented here, look in ‘Labels’).
“Particles” is Osada Vida’s just released new CD with the new line-up, and indeed is a pleasure to listen to.

Seems Osada Vida has developed their style into a fantastic blend of melodic Neo Prog sounds with solid rocking overtones, never resulting too heavy but adding power and substance to their music.
“Particles” is a highly accessible modern Prog album presenting nine strong individual pieces each intended to stand alone as a ‘song’, and this will certainly open doors to the Melodic Rock audience.
Opening track “Hard-Boiled Wonderland” gives us an idea of the band’s classic Prog influences but morphed into an updated bright sound. While the pounding riffs are deliciously heavy, the feel is extremely melodic almost reaching an Euro Melodic Hard Rock status.
Follower “Stronger”, as title says, strongly reveals Osada Vida’s penchant for a commercial melodic style still retaining the elegance and plasticity of their elaborated progressive origins. The highlight of the song is some fine guitar / keyboard interplay and Majewski’s wide vocalizations.

“Fear” retains the pulsating enthusiasm of its predecessors with the infectious choruses leading to the repeated climatic refrain of the track title. “Those days” offers something of a breather; while hardly a ballad, the song is lyrically reflective and musically a bit softer.
“Shut” features Tomasz ‘Sivy’ Biskup from Polish metal band Tuff Enuff providing growled type vocals and a dynamic lead guitar solo (he also co-writes the song). Those vocally harsh verses alternate with melodic choruses in a song that is something of a departure for the band from their prog foundations, and adds an interesting variation to the album.

Next, “David’s Wasp” offers a huge contrast with the previous track, as it’s a soft, drifting instrumental featuring some of Bartek Bereska finest soloing. The man is a skilled and tasteful six-string blender for sure.
“Different Worlds” maintains the more direct rocking approach, while “Until You’re Gone” is an out and out rock ballad with an anthemic chorus.
The album closes with “Mighty World”, a song that returns us to the heavier frantic riffs of the opener, crowned with the positive vibes from the chorus.
But we still have more from Osada Vida; as bonus track, an adventurous cover of Metallica’s “Master Of Puppets” that will surprise many. I don’t want to reveal the band’s treatment on this classic song, but I assure you it’s great.

Although “Particles” should be tagged as Progressive Rock, on this new album from Osada Vida the melodic, accessible nature of the songs should appeal to a wider audience.
This music comes across as a playful and innovative at the same time, with pleasing moods and melodies combined with excellent musicianship, great vocals and fine production.
Hope “Particles” receives the right push from their management and the media because this band truly deserves to be listened by a major public.
We are strongly recommending it with enthusiasm to every reader of this blog.

01. Hard-Boiled Wonderland
02. Stronger
03. Fear
04. Those Days
05. Shut
06. David’s Wasp
07. Different Worlds
08. Until You’re Gone
09. Mighty World
10. Master Of Puppets (bonus track)

Marek Majewski – vocals
Bartek Bereska – guitars
Rafal Paluszek – keyboards
Lukasz Lisiak – bass
Adam Podzimski – drums
Sivy – guest vocals & guitar

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/Particles-Osada-Vida/dp/B005T3ASU0