Color - Color (1978) | CLOCKWORK PEACH

Label: Pepita
Country: Hungary
Released: 1978
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to Color's Self-Titled Debut

"Color" is the debut studio album by the Hungarian progressive rock band Color, released in 1978 under the Pepita (SLPX 17567) label. The album features a unique blend of symphonic and progressive rock elements, showcasing the talents of the Bokor brothers—Gyula, Tibor, and Attila—alongside other skilled musicians. This record is a significant contribution to the Eastern European prog scene.

The Band's Composition

The lineup consists of Bokor Gyula on keyboards and vocals, Bokor Tibor on bass guitar and vocals, and Bokor Attila on drums and percussion. They are joined by Lámer Emil, who plays electric and acoustic guitars, and Pólya László, a classical cellist providing cello and vocals. The album also features guest musician Bergendy István on soprano saxophone. The musical direction was led by Péterdi Péter, and the sound engineering was handled by Peller Károly.

Musical Style and Influences

Color's sound is characterized by lush orchestration that combines classical chamber instrumentation with progressive rock elements. The use of Mellotron and analog synthesizers, including Moog and Roland, creates a rich sonic landscape. Their music draws comparisons to other bands in the genre, such as Omega, Locomotiv GT, and Genesis. The vocal harmonies are complex and polyphonic, adding depth to their arrangements.

Track Highlights

The album features several standout moments, including the opening progressive suite "Álmatlanul" and the monumental 14-minute track "Panoptikum." Other tracks like "Hárommilliárd Év" and "Ikarusi Zuhanás" further exemplify the band's ability to blend intricate instrumentation with engaging melodies. This self-titled album is a cohesive exploration of themes and sounds, reflecting the band's artistic vision.

Recording and Production

"Color" was recorded in 1978 at MHV Studios in Budapest, Hungary. The production choices made during this time reflect the technological capabilities and artistic aspirations of the era. The album cover was designed by Herpai Zoltán, with photography by Diner Tamás, contributing to the visual presentation of the band's identity.

A Final Note

This self-titled album was released on the state label Pepita, marking an important moment in the history of Hungarian rock music.

Tracklist

A1	Álmatlanul = Sleeplets Written-By – Bokor GyulaWritten-By – Bokor Tibor
A2	Hárommilliárd Év = Three Thousand Million Years Written-By – Bokor GyulaWritten-By – Gulyás Péterpál*
A3	A Nap Siet = The Day Hastens Written-By – Bokor GyulaWritten-By – Bokor Tibor
A4	Kölcsön = Borrowed Written-By – Bokor GyulaWritten-By – Bokor Tibor
A5	Ikarusi Zuhanás = The Fall Of Icarus Written-By – Bokor TiborWritten-By – Gulyás Péterpál*
B1	Elképzelt Világ = Fancy World Written-By – Bokor GyulaWritten-By – Bokor TiborWritten-By – Gulyás Péterpál*
B2	Jó Lenne Tudni = We'd Like To Know Written-By – Bokor GyulaWritten-By – Bokor Tibor
B3	Panoptikum = Wax-Works Show Written-By – Bokor AttilaWritten-By – Bokor GyulaWritten-By – Bokor TiborWritten-By – Gulyás Péterpál*Written-By – Lámer EmilWritten-By – Pólya László

Credits

Backing Vocals, Guitar – Lámer Emil
Cello – Pólya László
Engineer [Sound] – Peller Károly
Gong, Carillon, Drums – Bokor Attila
Graphics – Herpai Zoltán
Guest, Soprano Saxophone – Bergendy István*
Lacquer Cut By – HP*
Mellotron, Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Bokor Tibor
Music Director – Péterdi Péter*
Performer [Color] – Bokor Attila
Performer [Color] – Bokor Gyula
Performer [Color] – Bokor Tibor
Performer [Color] – Lámer Emil
Performer [Color] – Pólya László
Photography By – Diner Tamás
Piano, Electric Piano [Fender], Harpsichord, Organ, Synthesizer [Moog], Synthesizer [Roland] – Bokor Gyula
Vocals – Bokor Attila
Vocals – Bokor Gyula
Vocals – Bokor Tibor
Vocals – Pólya László