Čechomor

Čechomor is a pivotal entity in the Czech music scene, credited with the mainstream revitalization of Moravian and Bohemian folk music. Formed in 1988 as a purely acoustic group (Českomoravská nezávislá hudební společnost), they underwent a significant sonic evolution in the mid-1990s, integrating electric guitars, drums, and sophisticated arrangements.

This transition peaked with the 2001 album 'Proměny', produced by Jaz Coleman of Killing Joke, which added a massive orchestral dimension to their sound and earned them three Anděl Awards. Their cultural position is unique; they are respected by traditionalists for their preservation of regional dialects and melodies, yet they are popular enough to have been a favorite of Václav Havel. Their collaboration with Jaromír Nohavica in the mockumentary 'Rok ďábla' (Year of the Devil) cemented their status as icons of the 'Czech folk-rock' movement. Musically, they are defined by the virtuoso violin work of Karel Holas and the rhythmic versatility of Michal Pavlík, who often switches between cello and bagpipes. They occupy a space similar to The Pogues or Oysterband but with a distinct Central European harmonic sensibility.