MODRA RIJEKA

Modra Rijeka by Indexi is a showcase of musical craftsmanship, with each piece a testament to complex songwriting and gifted musicianship. I wish I could understand the language, because even to a listener spoiled by English, the lyrics flow and adhere to the music perfectly. I highly recommend this to Kansas lovers, particularly "Magnum Opus" and Point of Know Return.

"Modra Rijeka" The recitation of poetry ("Blue River") commences.

"Blago" Florid poetry is quite the antithesis to this creeping and spiraling combination of punchy symphonic rock and psychedelic brooding. The bass warbles and growls as the organ twists and turns in this snarling beast of a song; it's quite ELP-ish in places.

"Brod" Fresh-sounding acoustic guitar with an agreeable melody and keyboards to match initially impart something in progressive folk territory, while the distorted organ and boisterous singing amplify this track into harder rock. To and fro it goes.

"More" Starting out like Camel's "Lunar Sea" (and almost the same length), "More" gives just what the title implies: More heavy progressive rock laced with acoustic guitar and a downright sinister bass. One may expect a few interludes, including an acoustic guitar one full of fingerpicking and alternate tunings as well as a delicate piano that just glistens. The keyboard work is outstanding, especially the organ.

"Zapis O Zemlji" A second poetic excerpt follows.

"Slovo O Covjeku" Dynamic vocals (a Yugoslavian Roger Daltery?) and a distant piano lead into a light acoustic rock tune.

"Pustinja" In addition to the organ and energetic drumming one could come to expect by this point, the guitarist treats the listener to the tasteful use of a Talk Box.

"More II" Bright guitar and synthesizer shine together to generate one happy instrumental. Compositionally, it channels Steve Hackett, whilst the organ nods in the direction Canterbury fellows like Dave Stewart.

"Modra Rijeka II" Stunning textures over a halcyon acoustic, followed by equally soothing vocals, soon erupting into a satisfying amalgamation of all the aforementioned ingredients, topped off with a catchy refrain. This is a suitable finale to an excellent and consistent album.