Klan

Marek Skolarski provides the lyrics and Ałaszewski writes the music. The whole play was written by Marek
Lewandowski. Mariquity Compe is the choreographer. In March, the group enters the studio of  Polskie
Nagrania* and it is later released as "Mrowisko" ("Anthill").  In the spring of 1971, there is a line-up change :
Andrzej Poniatowski and Maciej Głuszkiewicz leave. They are replaced by Krzysztof Dłutowski (ex-Pięciu)
and Wojciech Morawski (ex-Grupa X).. Up to August 1971 the band tours, promoting  Mrowisko . The tour
ends and Klan split up.The group comes back in the 90s. The following line-up appears on a newly-recorded:

                                                              CD "Po co mi ten raj"

                                                              Marek Ałaszewski   g, voc,
                                                              Wojciech Lewandowski   dr,
                                                              Artur Łobanowski   g,
                                                              Radosław Nowakowski  congas,
                                                              Wojciech Ruciński  bas

Despite group's later attempts to come back, the period 1969-70 is regarded as Klan's high point by many
prog-rock fans. I listened to their records many times throughout the years. After the three decades the music
is still  fresh . The dynamics of Klan's sound is astounding. Please imagine the exact moment after a storm- you
go out and suddenly the freshness of the air strikes you. Such a comparison makes sense here, because Klan's
music is full of life, just like the atmosphere cleared by the raging storm. Nature seems to be an important motif
here. Lyrics written by Skolarski are replete with themes like environment and blessings of modern civilization.
And, as usual in the case of prog-rock albums, they allow a room for interpretation. So, let's stop here and try
to find some messages conveyed by the text.
                       For instance, the Anthill  (the title) - doesn t it seem to be the equivalent of city?
                       Do we really have to lose all natural beauties? (such as birds singing in the intro?)
                       Or maybe our own, private  anthills are only small particles of life that create a larger being?
                       For instance, the whole forest?
The content of the album is very coherent-both the lyrics and music. The first concept album of a Polish group?
Probably yes. And - it doesn t only stands comparison to the biggest and the best of progressive rock from that
period. I dare say that Klan's music is even better than LPs of some German or English bands. You still doubt it?
                                                               Check Klan's first two on your own
I'm sure you'll like it. And when reading these words in front of the computer, turn on the "Mrowisko" CD, play
the track "Automaty" ("Machines") , wait a few seconds and:

             "Machines are counting, counting, counting, counting all the time. They are counting on ...

                                                                  The MAN"

                           Despite the whole technological development this message still rings true !

* - Polskie Nagrania - a state-owned recording company in Poland. It was formed in 1956. After the Communism fell,
       the company was privatized.

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