PUHDYS - Best Of - Sony Music

The "Best Of" compilation by Puhdys, one of the best-known rock bands from the former GDR, shows the group above all as an efficient, thoroughbred rock band with a very distinctive sound. Classic, guitar-driven arrangements dominate here - solid riffs, clear, melodic solos and a clearly rooted rhythm section. Tracks such as "Ikarus" or "Geh zu ihr" rest on a strong foundation of bass and drums, over which broad, slightly pompous vocal lines are built. The sound is tight but not heavy - it is mainstream rock, with a clear emphasis on melody and chorus. A characteristic element is also the keyboards, which in many recordings subtly complement the guitar, giving the whole a slightly spacious, at times almost symphonic shade. In the ballads the tempo slows down and the arrangements become more sparing, but the band avoids excessive sweetness - even the calmer tracks have a distinct rock backbone. The production is typical of its time - clear, without excessive compression, with a natural sound of the instruments. Thanks to this the compilation sounds coherent and authentic, and its greatest strength remains the band's craftsmanship: a feel for melody, proportion and dynamics. It is a set that shows Puhdys as a mature, classic rock band - without experiments, but with great musical consistency and a recognisable style. New, sealed.