EAST - Játékok (1981) | CLOCKWORK PEACH

Label: Start
Country: Hungary
Released: 1981
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

EAST's Debut: A Dive into Játékok

In 1981, the Hungarian progressive rock group EAST released their debut album titled Játékok on the Start label, catalog number SLPX 17687. The band originally formed in Szeged during the mid-1970s as an instrumental jazz-rock ensemble. Over time, they evolved into a more orchestral and synthesizer-driven sound with the addition of lead vocalist Miklós Zareczky. This shift marked a significant transition in their musical direction.

Musical Composition

Játékok features a blend of melodic electric guitar riffs by János Varga and lush synthesizer layers provided by Géza Pálvölgyi. The album's arrangements are intricate, displaying a range of dynamics throughout its runtime. Tracks like "Nyitány (Ouverture)" set the stage with dramatic introductions, while "Messze A Felhőkkel" and "Szállj Most Fel" reveal the band's capability for complex musical storytelling. The combination of acoustic piano and synthesizers creates a rich textural backdrop for Zareczky's vocals, allowing for a unique auditory experience.

Production and Artwork

The album was produced by Ferenc Dobó, who also served as the recording supervisor. Dobó's expertise helped shape the sound of the album during its production process. The cover artwork, which complements the album's themes, was crafted by József Szurcsik, while photography was handled by Péter Horváth. This visual presentation enhances the album's appeal and reflects its artistic intentions.

Conclusion

Játékok stands as a distinct entry in the world of Hungarian progressive rock. It highlights the band’s transition from jazz-rock to a more symphonic style. The album was released in Hungary in 1981.

Tracklist

A1	Nyitány = Ouverture Written-By – Móczán PéterWritten-By – Pálvölgyi Géza	3:25
A2	Messze A Felhőkkel = Far Away With The Clouds Written-By – Varga JánosWritten-By – Zareczky MiklósWritten-By – Móczán PéterWritten-By – Pálvölgyi Géza	5:43
A3	Szállj Most Fel = Fly Up Now Written-By – Varga JánosWritten-By – Zareczky MiklósWritten-By – Móczán Péter	5:30
A4	Kék-fekete Látomás = Blue-Black Vision Written-By – Varga János*Written-By – Pálvölgyi Géza	2:16
A5	Gyémántmadár = Diamond Bird Written-By – Varga JánosWritten-By – Zareczky Miklós	4:00
B1	Lélegzet = Breath Written-By – Varga János*Written-By – Móczán PéterWritten-By – Pálvölgyi Géza	3:10
B2	Nézz Rám = Look At Me Written-By – Varga JánosWritten-By – Zareczky MiklósWritten-By – Móczán PéterWritten-By – Pálvölgyi Géza	4:08
B3	Üzenet = Message Written-By – Varga JánosWritten-By – Zareczky MiklósWritten-By – Móczán Péter	4:18
B4	Epilóg = Epilogue Written-By – Zareczky Miklós*Written-By – Móczán Péter	2:28
B5	Remény = Expectation Written-By – Varga János*	4:33