Už jsme doma

Uz Jsme Doma, (pronounced oosh-smeh-dough-ma), are a progressive rock band from Czech Republic, who originally formed in northwest border town Teplice in 1985. The band´s name translates literally to, "we´re home now" but, as an idiom, means something more like, "well, there we go" in Czech conversation. The band has, to date, released six proper studio albums, two live albums, a best-of package and a DVD containing live footage and a documentary about the history of the band, which discusses its artistic significance and chronicals its dozens of lineup changes in its 22 year career. In addition to traditional band functions such as recording albums and touring, UJD have taken on a wide array of ambitious projects, including work with theater, fiilm and art. They collaborated very closely to the world famous band The Residents on their Freak show and felt in friendship with them and many other great musicians all over the world (Tom Cora, Amy Denio, Jello Biafra, David Thomas etc)Band tours frequently whole the world, from first foreign show in Germany till now they visited almost 30 different countries, major part of them took USA (more than 600 shows in almost all states)

The band´s approach to arrangements is unique in the world of rock. They bring the instruments and vocals in different directions within the same scales and keys to create a dense melodic atmosphere. In addition, their rhythms often accent off-beats and half-beats, throwing the listener in unexpected directions. The music seems to be an exhausting juxtaposition between beauty and ugliness, as songs will frequently shift between modes to create tumultuous, powerful hooks (a good example of this is the song "Hollywood.") The band is also fond of shifts between time signatures and the insertion of extra beats in the shaping of the mood of the song. Wanek´s lyrics have earned him a reputation as a respected Czech poet. His lyrics have been described his writing as "an axe for the frozen sea inside us," a line taken from fellow countryman and influence Franz Kafka. All lyrics are translated to English and to Polish language, too. Artist Martin Velisek, the non-playing UJD member, has been published in several volumes and enjoyed popularity outside of his work with UJD as well. His unique, absurd cartoon style, replete with alarming flourishes of realism, gruesomeness and beauty, gives UJD records their distinct look. Present line-up includes trumpet as a solo instrument, which conects band´s sound to its roots. www.uzjsmedoma.com

Lineup 2011

Miroslav Wanek (guitar, keyboards, lead vocal)
Pepa Cervinka (bass, vocal)
Adam Tomasek (trumpet, vocal)
jaroslav Noga (drums, clapping, tears)
Martin Velisek (brushes)

Discography

20 Letu (20 Flyears) / Puding (Pudding) 2DVD (Indies, 2006)
Disc 1 is home theater quality stereo video recording of Už Jsme Doma´s epic 20th anniversary celebration concert at Theater Archa in Prague in 2005, which featured an extended medley of UJD´s catalogue with costumed guest appearances by former members, including saxophonist Jindra Dolánsky.
Disc 2 is a 60-minute documentary about the band featuring dozens of interviews with former members, rock critics, and fans, plus rare archival footage and media clips. In Czech with English subtitles.

20 Letu (20 Flyears) CD (Indies, 2005)
A sort of UJD family reunion, this is a recording of Uz Jsme Doma´s epic 20th anniversary celebration concert at Theater Archa in Prague in 2005, which featured an extended medley of UJD´s catalogue with guest appearances by former members, including saxophonist Jindra Dolánsky, Alice Fleserova, Romek Hanzlik, Jarda Cvach, Honza Cejka, Petr Bohm, Jirka Zavodny, Ota Chlupsa, Roman Kolarik, Mila Novy, and Jula Horvat. UJD´s current lineup plays songs from Rybi Tuk and rearranged classics backed by a large choir.

Rybi Tuk (Codliver Oil) CD & LP (Indies, 2003)

Triska (Sliver) 7" Single (Polyvinyl Records, 2005)
This nicely designed 7-inch features a new song from the Rybi Tuk full-length album. Other side features band ZZZZ doing Assassination Polka--a nice complement to UJD! Limited to edition of 300 on Polyvinyl Records.

Patnact Kapek Vody (15 Drops of Water) [Best of CD] (Indies 2000)

Uši (Ears) CD (Indies, 1999)

Vancouver 1997 Live CD (Indies, 1997)

Uz Jsme Doma Pop-up Book plus CD

Jaro, Peklo, Podzim, Zima (Spring, Hell, Fall, Winter) (1996)
Eleventh anniversary book recounts the band´s history in an elliptical way with lush full-color paintings by Velisek on interactive cardboard pages with new texts and paper engineering by Miroslav Wanek. Attached booklet chronicles the band´s origins and collaborations in depth, including a list of all concerts to date. CD is soundtrack to Czech TV film about the work of Martin Velísek, the band´s designer who is responsible for UJD´s distinctive look.

Pohadky ze Zapotřebi/Fairytales from Needland CD (Indies, 1995)

Hollywood CD (Indies, 1993)

Nemilovany Svet/Unloved World CD (Indies, 1992)

Uprostred Slov/In the Middle of Words CD (Indies, 1990)

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