První hoře

PRVNÍ HOŘE

První Hoře are a Czech futuristic punk and jazz cabaret band formed in 1998 in the town of Jičín from the remnants of several local punk bands. The members were around sixteen years old when the band was founded. Their name, První Hoře ("First Sorrow"), is taken from a short story by Franz Kafka. Between 1998 and 2002, they recorded three demo releases: První Hoře (1998), 4 pokoje (2000) and Bez obalu (2001).

In 2003, the band independently recorded and released their debut album, Na úpatí. Three years later, their second album, Commedia dell'arte, was released by Prague-based label Black Point Music. Around this time, the band relocated to Prague and settled into a line-up featuring guitar, vocals, accordion, drums, bass, keyboards and electronic samples. They also developed the highly theatrical live performances that would become their trademark, combining explosive energy with theatrical elements, led by the band's clown-like accordionist.

Throughout 2007, První Hoře built a devoted following through appearances at summer festivals, including Eurotrialog Mikulov, as well as extensive club touring. Their unconventional approach and energetic live shows quickly earned them a reputation as one of the Czech alternative scene's most distinctive acts.

Their third album, Lamento, was released in 2008 and received widespread critical acclaim, frequently being named Album of the Year by Czech music media. The band also toured with legendary Czech alternative rock pioneers Už Jsme Doma and shared stages with Znouzectnost.

In 2009, Lamento won the Anděl Award for Best Rock Album of 2008 and finished third in the independent Břitva Awards. The band appeared on Czech television programmes including Hitoár on iDNES TV and Madhouse on TV Óčko, while the videos for Naruby and Otčenáš received significant media attention.

The following year saw a nationwide spring tour with cult crossover band Insania, alongside appearances at major Czech festivals including Brutal Assault, Poličské Rockoupání and Festival bez hvězd. První Hoře also signed with Kontra Production booking agency and spent the second half of the year recording and mixing their next album, preceded by a three-track promotional EP.

Their fourth studio album, Club Silencio, was released on 14 April 2011. The band performed at leading Czech festivals including Colours of Ostrava, Benátská noc and Basinfirefest. In November, they received the Břitva Critics' Award for Album of the Decade for Lamento. Several music videos were produced to accompany songs from Club Silencio.

In 2012, První Hoře began work on their fifth studio album at Šopa Studio with Standa Valášek and Entlaab Studio with Bertrám. Ahead of the album's release, they unveiled the singles Ikare! and Němohra. The year also saw the reissue of their long out-of-print debut album Na úpatí.