GORDAN - Gordan - LP - Vinyl [MAY 10]

LP - Black Vinyl.   

This self-titled 2nd album from this acclaimed transnational (Serbia/Germany/Austria) experimental trio, fuses traditional Balkan vocalizations with feedback, electronic sound generators, pulsing bass and hypnotic drumming.

Gordan mirror the mysticism of legends and stories from the Balkan region, creating a music that stretches between expressiveness and abstraction; tradition and the avant-garde. The visceral vocals of Svetlana Spajic (Marina Abramovic, Robert Wilson, Antony and the Johnsons) are both rooted and deeply interpretive. In turn, drummer Andi Stecher (STECHER, Billy Bultheel, Orchestre Les Mangelepa) and Guido Möbius on bass and electronics, employ sonic strategies that steer the songs in inspired and unpredictable directions.

Gordan make music between expressiveness and abstraction. Their pieces are not limited by rigid formal structures. Instead, they are open processes that create a loss of sense of time. Reduced arrangements and expressive vocals combine to form a powerful musical whole. This band creates something new from minimalism, intensity and the rich singing tradition of the Balkans.

When Down in the Meadow, the first album by Gordan was released by Morphine Records in October 2021, it was celebrated by critics and audience alike. Now the trio presents its second, even more radical album. On this new release, Gordan mirror the mysticism of legends and stories from the Balkan countries with controlled feedback, hypnotic bass, expressive drum playing and the unique vocals by Svetlana Spajic.

Each piece on this album follows another sound idea and historical reference. And with all versatility, Gordan keep a coherent, immediately recognizable sound. There is the opener "Barabinska" with its stoic pulse, celebrating the bohemian lifestyle. It is followed by the noise -oriented, abstract "Selo Moje" with lyrics by Svetlana Spajic. The raw energy of "Šara", a popular traditional song, contrasts with the lightness of "The Bell is Buzzing". "Krajiška kontra", on the other hand, is a dark mantra referring to the times of Militärgrenze in the Balkans.

Drummer Andi Stecher forgoes any ornamentation and at the same time plays varied and concentrated. Confident and with outstanding technique, he is the engine of the band's sound. His stylistic flexibility demonstrates a profound knowledge of global music history. Guido Möbius plays bass guitar and various electronic sound generators. He also provokes feedback using a guitar amplifier, microphone and effects. These sometimes spherical, sometimes very concrete sounds interact with Svetlana Spajic’s voice. Vocals and feedback circle each other in fleeting, ever-changing harmony.

Spajic is an internationally recognized expert on the history and practice of a rich musical tradition. She knows and masters the hyperlocal singing styles of the Balkan Peninsula like no other contemporary singer. At the same time, she works as an active part of this culture to open it up and re-contextualize it. Spajic has worked with many international art and music universities as well as international stars of contemporary and avant-garde music.

Tracklist: 

1. Barabinska
2. Selo moje
3. Šara
4. The Bell Is Buzzing
5. How A Mountain Fairy Divided The Two Jakšić Brothers
6. Krajiška kontra
7. Ne spominji oči plave
8. O Nikola