Czech Choice Band Danube Collaborates with Jana Vébrová on New Album, “Mňau“
PRAGUE — Czech alternative rock band Danube, a fixture of the Brno music scene for four decades, has joined forces with singer-songwriter Jana Vébrová for a new album titled “Mňau.” The collaboration, which fuses Danube’s experimental rock sound with Vébrová’s expressive songwriting, was released April 18, 2025. The band will celebrate with performances at the Prague Palace Acropolis and NATO day in Brno this Wednesday.
The genesis of the project stems from Vébrová’s desire to collaborate. As she noted in an interview with UNI cultural magazine, discussing her second album, “Stones from the bottom,” she felt she didn’t “have enough energy to put together a band.” She added, “But if someone wanted me to adapt and create a joint project, I’d like to be glad. I’d give him the best of myself that I can and what I have.”
Danube, formed in Brno forty years ago, quickly became a cornerstone of the local alternative scene. Guitarists Vladimír Václavek, Josef Ostřanský, along with the late singer Jiří Kolšovský and drummer Pavel Fajt (later replaced by Pavel Koudelka) built a prolific career, fostering numerous side projects that defined the Czech club scene. Past associated acts included Rale, Boo, Ylo African Elephant, and Trio E. Iva Bittová, an early singer for Danube, also famously collaborated with Václavek in the mid-90s to create “White Inferno,” which many consider one of the most successful albums ever.
The band initially dissolved in 1998, shortly before frontman Kolšovský’s death, citing fatigue from extensive European touring. They reunited occasionally for special events, such as the “Best of” album “Reloaded” and under the name Danube Wave.A more permanent reunion occurred on the 20th anniversary of Kolšovský’s death.
“When in 2022 the three released the album behind the water, it was an event. It brought the first collection of new songs for more than a quarter of a century.” That album and “Mňau” were published on Petr Ostrouchov’s animal Music label.According to Ostřanský, Danube did not focus on music production during the spontaneous 90s, but rather channeled concert energy into their music.”We were more interested in some of the roots of music, such a gros, a kind of prehistoric, word order ‘tones, without which we would not be us. The sound was only in the second row.”
The band realized they had run out of “fuel” and were “left by the spirit that had been accompanying us before” and “into the stage where we played so to speak, without enthusiasm and strength.”
Václavek says that the return to the stage with “Behind the water” and the new “Mňau” transformed the band from “nervous, irritating and explosive” to something more “stunning and tender, even though still very strong or ritual.”
For this new album,”Mňau,” the band collaborated with Jana Vébrová,who brought her songwriting talent to the project. The songs were collectively created during jam sessions over a year and a half in the Lusatian Mountains.
Vébrová brings a unique dimension to Danube’s sound. “Sometimes sings with a huge lyrical passion (‘Words in the ice’), other times in repetitive slogans of texts uses voice as a percussive tool (‘Don’t say’, ‘Swamp’). Or in the title song ‘Mňau’ He switches to a distant non -harmonious position.”
The collaboration marks a new chapter for Danube, blending their established sound with Vébrová’s unique style.
Counterargument
Some critics argue that collaborations between established bands and solo artists can dilute the original sound and appeal to neither fanbase fully. They might suggest that Danube’s experimental edge could be compromised by Vébrová’s more customary songwriting approach.Though, the members of Danube feel that bringing in outside sounds has only enriched the band. “Jana Vébrová is such a natural element of the album Mňau, until it seems that she has adapted the Danube.”
FAQ
What genre is Mňau? The album blends elements of alternative rock, experimental music, and singer-songwriter styles.
where can I listen to Danube and Jana Vébrová – Mňau? The album is available on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Is danube planning a U.S. tour? Currently, there are no announced dates for a U.S. tour.
What is Animal Music? Animal Music is a Czech record label founded by Petr Ostrouchov, known for specializing in high-quality jazz and alternative music recordings.
What are your first impressions of “Mňau”?
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Archyde Exclusive: Jana Vébrová Discusses “Mňau” with Danube
Prague is buzzing with excitement over the release of “Mňau,” the new album from the legendary Czech band Danube, featuring the vocals and songwriting of Jana Vébrová. Archyde News Editor, Petr Novák, sat down with Jana to delve into the creative process and the future of this exciting collaboration.
A Conversation with Jana Vébrová
Petr Novák: Jana, thank you for joining us. “Mňau” is a fantastic album.Could you tell us about how this collaboration with Danube came to be?
Jana Vébrová: Thank you for having me! I’d been wanting to collaborate for a while. After my last album, I was looking for a new direction. When Danube approached me, it felt like the perfect fit. Their energy and experimental approach really resonated with me. I felt excited.
Petr Novák: The album was created during jam sessions in the Lusatian Mountains. Can you describe the creative environment and how the songs took shape?
Jana Vébrová: It was incredibly inspiring! We spent a year and a half together, just jamming and letting the music flow. Those mountains provided a unique atmosphere and space to create. It felt really free, there was no pressure.
Petr Novák: Your unique songwriting style brings a captivating dimension to Danube’s sound. How did you find the balance between your own voice and Danube’s established experimental rock sound?
Jana Vébrová: It was a natural process. I think Danube already had so much established, but I was also working on my own with my style and songwriting. It all blended together really quickly, it was a natural thing, I think.
Petr Novák: There have been discussions on whether the project has lost it’s way, what are your thoughts.
Jana Vébrová: Danube wasn’t nervous anymore,they’d settled down and adapted really well
Petr Novák: The album is being released on petr Ostrouchov’s Animal Music label. What’s it like working with them?
Jana Vébrová: Petr and his team are fantastic! They have a real passion for music and give artists the space they need to create.They’ve been incredibly supportive, which meant a lot.
Petr Novák: This collaboration marks a new chapter for Danube.What does this new chapter mean to their fanbase?
Jana Vébrová: They went from explosive to stunning ritual music. I’m very excited to see their reaction, they’re the best judge.
Petr Novák: The band performed NATO day.Can we look forward to seeing this show again soon?
Jana Vébrová: We will also perform at the Prague Palace Acropolis this Wednesday
Petr Novák: Thank you for you time Jana.
Jana Vébrová: Thank you so much to you too, it was an honor!
What are your first impressions of “Mňau,”? Do you think collaborations like this enrich the music scene? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
