MELITA & VENO DOLENC

Singer/songwriter Veno Dolenc and his wife Melita performed as a duet during 1970s. They formed the band SEDMINA in 1977 and released this debut album in 1980. So, it can be viewed as Melita & Veno Dolenc's album called "Sedmina", or an album of the band SEDMINA called "Melita & Veno Dolenc" - whatever you prefer, because I did not find any indication to either.

The music is nicely composed and performed acoustic folk, featuring acoustic string traditional instruments with occasional flute and piano. Above all, surprisingly well- harmonised vocals of Melita and Veno are sort of a signature of this sound. Surprisingly, because they were virtually unknown in Yugoslavia at the time of release of this album. It is a collection of mainly short, concise and extremely pleasant songs with simple albeit accessible chords and melodies, so probably the people not very much into progressive rock would find this quite enjoyable experience. That is exactly the reason why the more demanding prog listeners may find this one too flat, simple, too acoustic or pure "popular" folk (although "Veter Beli Konj" contains an odd sound similar to Theremin) inspired by Middle European/Southeast European traditions. The cover design by Veno is also excellent and reminds of classic surrealist art. Even Paul Whitehead who did early GENESIS covers comes to mind.

This is for me a very relaxing music experience, which can also be put behind as a background music. For more intensive listening experience, it may occasionally end up in monotony. The best moments are: "Pesem o Tanji", "Magdalena", "Angel varuh" (with unexpected bluesy solo guitar), "Veter beli konj", "Etuda" and "Svatba". If you like acoustic Dylan, Leonard Cohen or Nick Drake, grab this album! 3,5 stars.