“Raz, Dwa, Trzy”

Regardless of the important role Polish lyrics may play in their songs, both of the groups are, music-wise, recommendable even for those who are not fluent in the language.

When, in 1982, vocalist Kazik Staszewski and his companions changed the name of their band, ?Novelty Poland’ to ?Kult’, they must have done it with a kind of prophetic vision.

For the past 25 years, the group has become one of Poland’s “cult bands.”

Deriving from punk rock, the group mixes it’s sounds with new wave, rock, jazz and traditional Polish ballads- all paired with Staszewski’s charismatic voice and somewhat controversial personality.

One of the most notorious details about the band is the unique atmosphere they create during their long and intense performances: a sense of youthful rebelliousness that doesn’t seem to grow old, despite the age of the musicians.

Almost ten years junior of ?Kult’, ?Raz, Dwa, Trzy’ seems to present a paradoxically higher level of maturity ? if measured by the level of composure.

Their musical style oscillates between rock and smooth jazz, and the lyrics have the form of contemporary poetry, to which the soft, pleasing voice of front man Adam Nowak fits perfectly.
Their interesting and witty songs address subjects of love and religion. Recently, the band has become increasingly interested in presenting their own versions of songs written by famous Polish poets.

In 2002 they recorded an album filled with songs of Agnieszka Osiecka, for the fifth anniversary of the poet’s death. Their latest album is called “Mlynarski,” the name of the poet whose songs they are covering.

Even though the pieces are not the group’s original creations, their renditions offers a fresh look, which is certainly worth listening to.