Michael Kocáb

Česká nová vlna (Czech New Wave) refers to the late–Cold War wave of Czech punk-, post‑punk-, and new wave‑aligned bands that emerged from Prague, Brno, Plzeň and other urban centers under state socialism. Musically it fused brisk punk energy, angular post‑punk bass and guitar figures, prominent synthesizers and drum machines, and a streak of theatrical art‑rock. Lyrically it leaned on satire, allegory, and surrealism to dodge censorship, mixing dark urban poetics with deadpan humor. Because most activity happened in semi‑official clubs, student cultural houses, and the underground circuit, recordings were often raw and DIY, yet the scene’s songwriting was melodically sharp and rhythmically danceable. After 1989, many of its key groups became pillars of Czech alternative and indie rock.