POSLE KRAJA

While this is the only readily available recording of the classic Yugoslavian folk prog group and represents a reformation of the band 20 years after its acclaimed debut, it holds enough interest to motivate one to seek out the earlier classic. First of all, I must say the language as delivered by the multiple vocalists, is not unpleasant to the ears, and recalls other Eastern European bands like PHOENIX, but superior reference points may exist, and unfortunately my knowledge of folk music from this region is not as extensive as I would like.

This is indeed folk music that doesn't stray far from its indigenous acoustic roots, even as it incorporates older rock, blues, and even country, and not a lot of prog experimentation is evident. Three of the ten songs are outstanding, these being "Kao ja i kao ti", "Moja stara", and its successor, the "Sunce iza grada". All include exemplary melodies, stellar harmonizing and the mandolin-like tambura imparting a wistful timbre. Occasional synthesizer embellishments are applied in the right concentrations. The overall mood is dignified and elegant without artifice. This is clearly the medium in which S VREMENA NA VREME thrives. "Povratna karta" and "Tavan" are more buoyant, and, while not quite as gleaming, are still enjoyable.

Unfortunately, the second half of the disk falters markedly, relying more on the less convincing rock and blues aspects. Only the sunny "Kad Nestanem" succeeds,. and mostly thanks to a sublime (electric?) piano break that hints at viable alternatives to the straightforward folk rock for the group. The low point is surely "Aja?", which is not a STEELY DAN" number but more of a novelty song about some of the vanished rockers of the 1960s. These rarely work well and frequently sink decent musical arrangements in their banality, and this track is no exception.

Given the political conditions in this part of the world during the 1990s, "Posle kraja" is defiant in its mere existence and worth checking out if you enjoy uncomplicated Balkan folk rock with deceptively simple arrangements and exquisite harmonies.