Slede, Zivé Slede

Thanks to its one-of-a-kind instrumentation, Slede, Zivé Slede quickly developed a highly personal sound among the hyperactive experimental rock scene in the Czech Republic. The trio of guitar, double bass, and bassoon blends elements of medieval festive tunes with art rock complexities and avant-garde dissonances. Their ties with Czech artists like Iva Bittová and Rale remain obvious, but the group also shows similarities with medieval prog rockers Gryphon and chamber rock/Rock in Opposition outfits Art Zoyd and Univers Zero (with an extra folkloric touch and a sense of humor).



In late 1994, guitarist Ivan Palacky found himself without a regular band. His previous group, Vkfiiky Bfiich ("Screams of Bellies"), disbanded earlier that year. Looking for new musicians to play with, people who would come from different backgrounds and have different ideas, he met bassist Jennifer Helia de Felice, an American video artist residing in Brno, and the two began rehearsing in January 1995. The name Slede, Zivé Slede ("Herring, Live Herring") was agreed on after Felice rejected Slede, Slane Slede ("Herring, Salty Herring") on the count of her vegetarianism. A few months later, Vkfiiky Bfiich clarinetist/bassoonist Brona Smid joined the small lineup.

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