IGRA STAKLENIH PERLI

In the days when Yugoslavia was essentially a Communist country, despite the differences with the other Eastern Countries, pretending to be open and democratic to promote and encourage West World to expand its economy via a growing tourist industry, there was also a side effect that lead to a proliferation in music and in the arts in general. But, naturally, with such a state as Yugoslavia, it was only bands that we can call 'safe' that made it and got albums made.

So, what to say about Igra Staklenih Perli (The Game Of Glass Pearls), often reputed to be as one of the finest of 70's Yugoslav progressive rock bands, in the same vein of Tako? Their origins started in 1976, initially a guitar and percussion duo, later augmented by a bassist. Even at their first live appearance in Belgrade, in the early of 1977, psychedelic influences were evident, with the use of theatrical costumes and elaborated light shows. Two albums were recorded, their eponymous debut 'Igra Staklenih Perli' of 1979 and their second 'Vrt Svetlosti' of 1980 and some twenty odd concerts were made. On vinyl it's surprising how good these recordings sound with some excellent music.

Take one part of the very early spaced out Hawkwind's sound, add a touch of Ash Ra Tempel and Tangerine Dream, add the hypnotic rhythms of Can, complex progressive arrangements and space it out with an abundance of organ with a touch of Pink Floyd and you have the picture. Acid heads and space rock fanatics are sure to go a bundle on this band.

So, 'Igra Staklenih Perli' is the eponymous debut studio album of Igra Staklenih Perli and was released in 1979. The line up on the album is Vojkan Rakic (Joshua N'Goma) ' (vocals and guitar), Zoran Lakic (Svaba the Kraut) ' (vocals and keyboards), Drasko Nikodijevic (Drakula) ' (vocals and bass) and Predrag Vukovic (drums and percussion).

'Igra Staklenih Perli' is an album where the final result was a very tighter and enjoyable work with some strong Pink Floyd and Hawkwind influences, featuring crunchy guitars and solos, pounding rhythms in the vein of Can, marching bass and cosmic vocals. The material is surrounded by beautiful Eloy like effects and guitar trembles, which still links the band to the principles of Krautrock music. During this series of outlandish grooves piano is always there to offer a richer and more sinister sound, with great spaced out textures with dark atmospheres and no intention to fill the sound with needless jams. The circular percussions are deceptively simple. The precise throbbing bass stays steady while the keyboards and guitar fly out into vast reaches of space, on this free flowing, primarily instrumental effort. The album does contain a smattering of vocals, done often through an echo effect, which further cements the Can influence. Some of the sound all over the album is a bit murky, but that only enhances the underground vibe that we can hear all over it.

About the tracks, 'Gusterov Trg' can boast the full force of the space rock of the early 70's. In addition to futuristic keyboard blubbering, dust dry guitar riffs provide for a powerful energy. Atmospheric hypnotism and unaffected power determine the sound that, despite convincing deficiencies, can convince. With 'Solarni Modus', the psychedelic drive is interrupted a bit. This instrumental number looks more orderly and already it seems to me a much more classic symphonic in its basic concept. Subsequently, with 'Putovanje U Plavo', Igra Staklenih Perli embarks on some hypnotic rhythms in devious psychedelic climes. Powerful space rock riffs and bubbly synths turn this number into an intense trip into the realm of mind expanding sound. A sophisticated percussion and tight bass lines provide a filigree backbone for all the crazy drive sound. In the further course, 'Pecurka', the sound of the ex-Yugoslavs looks like an herbaceous version of the early Pink Floyd. The deficit in the sound unfortunately contributes to the fact that the true brilliance of the band appears rather restrained and leaves the album in its entirety a slightly fragmentary character. In the concluding, 'Majestetski Kraj', in spite of all hypnotism, a melodic undertone from the hidden again enters into the musical event. It can only be boldly speculate as to which could be the more impressive work here, if the original recordings had not taken place under with some adverse conditions. Still, this is an interesting way to close the album.

Conclusion: Igra Staklenih Perli's debut album suffers from the bad condition that the album was recorded, in those times. And what is even most impressive is that two of the songs that should be part of the album, simply disappeared. So, this is the reason why this album is only twenty minutes long. However, this half an hour recordings are very impressive, really. The thing that makes this album so unique is the fact that it can be proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with many worldwide psychedelic space rock artists. This is definitely something each psychedelic fan must hear, and the band allowed that by putting it online for a free download. 'Igra Staklenih Perli' is really a great album, despite is unfortunately and basically a mutilated work. The master tapes of this production are probably lost for a long time. Pity! This music really deserves to be rescued to the digital world. I hope you can enjoy it as happened with me.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

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