In 1997, Fredrik Janáček joined –123 min; a musical addition that was critical for the future development of the band. This bassist of Swedish origin honed his skills by playing in the Scandinavian group Isildurs Bane (which released several self-produced albums) and two Czech bands - Sluneční orchestr (The Sun Orchestra - three CDs for BMG, Warner Music & Faust Records, respectively) and Sluníčko (The Little Sun – one CD for BMG). In Fredrik, Zdeněk Bína found a musical soul mate and fellow songwriter, and he quickly became a cornerstone of –123 min.’s distinctive sound. Together, they now form the creative nucleus of the band.
In 1999, they released their debut album Shooba Dooba (recorded with drummer Václav Zima), an album which took the Czech music critics and culture by storm. The album received several of the nation’s top musical prizes: the Newcomer of the Year award in the two most prestigious Czech musical magazines – Rock & Pop and Rock Report – and the 1999 Czech Grammy from the Akademie popularní hudby (Popular Music Academy, APH) for Best New Artist.
This achievement was all the more remarkable in that they achieved this by breaking into the mainstream and garnering major critical and commercial interest without any affiliation or support from a major label, a point that reflects the independent and self-reliant spirit of -123 min. Since then, “the Minutes” (as they are known informally) have hardly been able to keep up with the increasing demand for their music and live shows; performances which are always notable for their unrestrained improvisation and charismatic energy which demands your attention and draws you in.
In May 2000, Emil Valach, then playing with Bára Basiková and Liquid Harmony (Sony Music), joined –123 min. as the new drummer. With this line-up, the band returned to the studio to record Try, an album with a wider musical scope than the previous. The album was released in March 2001. The group then signed with the distinguished independent label Indies Records, which issued their third album Home? in 2002, a record that further explored the edges of –123 min.’s ever-expanding boundaries of musical influences and interests.
Although the band has achieved widespread critical and commercial success, their music remains off the radar of contemporary Czech radio due to the reluctance of local programmers to play and promote any local bands who sing in languages other than Czech; a point, however, that should only underscore the creative and popular potential of the group. Despite utilizing English lyrics and a non-traditional sound, they continue to build and draw large interest within and across diverse alternative and grassroots musical networks that span the globe. These people recognize that the music of –123 min. has never been calculated. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why –123 min. were again nominated for the Czech Anděl Award (Angel; formerly known as the Czech Grammy) in 2002, in the prestigious category of Best Rock Album of the Year, for their album Home?.
On New Years Eve 2002, Emil Valach left the band to pursue his individual interests in computerized music. Since January 2003, Martin Vajgl (previously of the band Vltava – five albums on EMI and Sony Music), has been the drummer of –123 min., and it is with this stellar line-up that the band toured clubs and festivals throughout Europe and North America during 2003.
In May 2004, the band went on an extraordinary tour throughout the Czech Republic and Poland as -123 min. XL, i.e. augmenting their sound with keyboards, brass and percussion and an enhanced stage setting. The tour was partly perpetuated in a recording that resulted in the band’s longed-for first live record XL Live, which was released in September 2004.
In 2005, they have signed with Humbug, a sub-label of Universal Music, and named their 5th album Mom. For this album –123 min. were nominated for the Czech Grammy (Anděl) in the "Best Sound" category.
2007 Autumn - Unplugged Tour: Minutes are playing new and older songs in acoustic suit.
In April 2008 Martin Vajgl leaves the band and is replaced by Miloš Dvořáček.
-123 min. announced their split in December 2009, only weeks after the release of their last studio album Dream.
2016: After seven long years the band comes back to scene - on June 11th 2016, under new name minus123minut they played their gig at festival [festival]Votvírák[/festival] in Milovice (CZ). In autumn 2016 there will be: COMEBACK TOUR 2016 - more than 20 gigs in CZ and SK.
The renewed band members are:
Zdeněk Bína - vocals, guitars, texts, music
Fredrik Janáček - bass guitar, contrabass, texts
Daniel Šoltis - drums
To Move On
-123 min. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I didn't find any love - not yet
I know it has to be somewhere
So tired of living under the threat
There is a hole in the safety net
My neighbour's got some bunker plans
With camouflage 'n' filled with cans
His kids don't learn how to read 'n' write
He trains them how to survive alright
I never see them smile or cry
Can't dry your tears forever
Won't kill your fear at all
Won't stop the bleedings sorrow
You've got to move on
Sometimes I feel that the stuff I've learned
Is not for use - it will all get burned
They never taught my life
My mother used to hold me tight
She said some day you'll see the light
I hope to see it come some day....
Can't dry...
The song "To Move On" by -123 min. talks about feeling lost and hopeless in life, surrounded by the many uncertainties and dangers that exist in the world. The first verse describes the singer's constant search for love and purpose, recognizing that it must exist somewhere but not knowing where or how to find it. They also lament the lack of safety and security in their life, feeling like they are living under a constant threat.
The second verse introduces the singer's neighbor, who has prepared for the worst-case scenario by building a bunker and training their children to survive. However, this approach to life leaves them devoid of any joy or emotion. The chorus then emphasizes the importance of moving on from these feelings of despair, acknowledging that dwelling in sadness and fear will not solve anything.
The final verse touches on the idea of education and how sometimes it feels useless when facing the harsh realities of life. The singer remembers their mother's reassuring words and hopes that one day they will see the light and find a sense of purpose in the world.
Overall, the song "To Move On" is a powerful representation of the struggles many face in trying to find meaning in life and the importance of pushing forward in spite of the many obstacles that may arise.
Line by Line Meaning
There's somethin' wrong with my TV set
I feel disconnected from the world around me and my ability to connect with others has been hindered.
I didn't find any love - not yet
Even though I have searched for love and connection, I haven't found it yet and feel alone.
I know it has to be somewhere
Despite the feeling of loneliness, I hold onto the hope that love and connection do exist.
So tired of living under the threat
Living in a state of fear and anxiety is exhausting and takes a toll on mental health.
There is a hole in the safety net
The systems in place to protect people and provide safety have failed and left vulnerable individuals unprotected.
My neighbour's got some bunker plans
Others around me are preparing for the worst and taking extreme measures to protect themselves from potential harm.
With camouflage 'n' filled with cans
These preparations involve hiding and stockpiling resources in anticipation of danger or chaos.
He says they'll come some day
Many people are convinced that disaster or danger is imminent and will come at any moment.
His kids don't learn how to read 'n' write
In the face of potential disaster, some parents prioritize survival skills over traditional education for their children.
He trains them how to survive alright
The focus is on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to withstand difficult circumstances and stay alive.
I never see them smile or cry
The constant state of fear and preparation has left some people emotionally numb and unable to express themselves.
Can't dry your tears forever
While it's important to acknowledge and feel emotions, it's not healthy to dwell on them indefinitely.
Won't kill your fear at all
Avoiding or suppressing fear won't make it go away, it needs to be faced and dealt with in order to move forward.
Won't stop the bleedings sorrow
Trying to hide or ignore emotional pain won't make it heal or go away on its own.
You've got to move on
In order to heal and grow, it's important to let go of the past and look towards the future with hope and optimism.
Sometimes I feel that the stuff I've learned
Despite acquiring education and knowledge, it may feel futile and useless in the face of uncertain and chaotic circumstances.
Is not for use - it will all get burned
Things that were once valued may become meaningless or destroyed in the face of disaster or calamity.
They never taught my life
Traditional education may not have prepared me for the real-life challenges and hardships I'm now facing.
My mother used to hold me tight
Reflecting on childhood memories of comfort and security brings a yearning for those simpler times.
She said some day you'll see the light
Believing that there is hope and something to look forward to in the future despite current struggles.
I hope to see it come some day....
Maintaining optimism and hope that things will get better with time and perseverance.
Contributed by Juliana R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bingchilling3914
I like how he just gets increasingly more annoyed but then just accepts the situation in the end.
@jkacvbhijfn
Me dealing with my family 🤣🤣🤣
@kisbie
This is pretty much the perfect joke. There’s an incredible amount going on in these 15 seconds, both on and off screen, that’s hilarious. But it’s told so simply, with just two characters.
@luisridez9219
Is that about my cube?
@canny_linguist
The set-up and execution is sublime 👌🏼
@mrangryeyes4789
Yes we all watched the same video
@andrewnewton2246
Really? What's it about?
@jacobcurry9828
Better than any family guy cutaway
@ripelivejam
I love burn's increasing agitation
@mortentvergaard5805
Increasing agitation and then curious childish excitement at the end