KAMENI CVJETOVI

This was the second and the final studio album by INDEXI issued in 1999, so technically this is no more Yugoslavian (the country had broken apart in the meantime) but Bosnian prog music. The following year, a tragic death of the lead vocal D. Popovic would put an end to their carreer. On this album the absence of F.Redzic's bass and composing work is evident, and roughly half of the album is filled with popular, quite commercial straight rock'n'roll songs that enjoyed considerable radio play after the release. On the progressive side, however, there are some excellent moments. The opening is a jazz-like cover of the traditional Bosnian "sevdah" folk "Snijeg pade..." where Kovacevic plays "saz", a traditional string instrument. Ranko Rihtman, an old time band member contributed here several nice songs as a co-composer including: "Ostrvo", "Pukotina", "Kameni cvjetovi" and "Zamak". The cover art gives a touch of 1960s nostalgia. A decent final work from INDEXI, although not on par with masterpiece "Modra rijeka".

"Kameni cvjetovi" is a mix of progressive rock and pop rock songs. First track "Snijeg pade na behar na voce" is the most interesting. It's an inventive arrangement of a traditional song in 7/8. Half of the other tracks are progressive rock with a lot of excellent Hammond organ and nice electric guitar soloing. There are also some acoustic parts with piano, acoustic guitar, cello, flute... I also find the pop oriented songs very captivating because of the moving lyrics, good execution and high quality arrangements. My favorite pop track is "I jos deset". The guitarst's touching lyrics are about asking God to give him another day or a year of life just that he can write a song about love once more. This text is so moving because shortly after the release of this album the singer died and a few years later also the guitarist. Both were in the age somewhere between 50 and 60... Thus the lyrics of this song have a prophetic meaning. In comparison to "Modra rijeka" this album sounds more modern with more electric guitar soloing, although Hammond creates some retro feel. Recommended for prog fans who don't mind occasional pop rock songs!