GIG REVIEW: REFLECTION + SPASIBO @ KC ZIVA

Ah, Živa. It's been a damn while since i visited, let alone performed there since that place was just newly opened. It's one of the DIY venues ran by folks who run places such as MKC Kombinat, Matrijarsija and Fijuk Sajam etc. It takes place in the bunker in the middle of Novi Beograd. When i came to, the lack of oxygen was extremely present. You could tell how long has it been laying here, that place hasn't been touched for decades. Nowadays, the air quality has sort of gotten better the second time i visited the venue.

Currently Belgrade-based Russian shoegaze/emo Spasibo started off the event with their statements in English and in Russian regarding the situation their country has been placed in, as well as the Moscow massacre not long ago, stressing that "it has been a catastrophe for all of us" and that "violence is never a solution for the future". The band also states that their lyricism deals with accountability and being compassionate with one another before kicking off their set.

Throughout their activity, Spasibo played various amounts of genres, ranging from Neo-Psychedelia, Hard Rock, Krautrock to Math Rock, Post-Hardcore and Emo. It took them a long time to explore for their own sound.

On this stage, Spasibo tends to lean a bit into the emocore/post-hardcore vibes from the 80's and 90's, with the frontman clean singing and borderline shouting, somewhere along the lines of Rites of Spring, At The Drive-In and Jimmy Eat World. Nearly the entire setlist probably consists of songs from their latest album Terpeniye, save for the shoegazy closure.

Tons of people who are packing the venues are from Russia and Serbia, which goes to show how established Spasibo is during their decade-long career, well before the war, as you can see in the pictures displayed here.

The crowd had carried along their set lasting a half an hour, warming up to the next thing that will eventually shake 'em up. Reflection from Gornji Mladenovac follows up with their usual introduction in Serbian before stomping at the crowd with bass pedals. They're active since 2017 and dropped their debut album Different Paths in 2019, borrowing lots of Melodic Hardcore groups such as Have Heart. They've given out all of their energy to lift up the crowd and even teased their new song.

This is definitely my first time seeing them live. I've been trying to catch up to them and ended up being held back by other day-to-day duties in my life and i finally took an opportunity to see them this time and i was completely intrigued by their raw energy. I figured this would be the next band to review for this blog.

I absolutely do not regret coming here, as it is vital that every active DIY venues of Serbia invites as many emo/screamo acts as possible. I even heard from my friends there that an emo/screamo show will take place in there this June, so i am completely fucking stoked. This is what keeps this otherwise dying scene alive.

Please do not forget to check these aforementioned bands out. They totally deserve your support.

Spasibo

Reflection

Plus Life

Location: Belgrade, Serbia

Year active: 2005 - 2007

Members: Boško Miljušković (guitar), Igor Uzelac (guitar), Stevan Ćirović (drums), Stefan Unković (vocals), Vladimir Lekić (bass), Marko Stevanović Sicke - drums

Related bands: Dol, HomeSickHome, Jaibo!, Let's Grow, Lollobrigida, Seine, Straigh Mickey and The Boyz, Stray Dogg, Subout, Radost!, Roza, Tough Guys of America, Turisti, VVhile, Škrtice

Labels: Ha-Ko Bastards Records

FFO: Admiral, After Words, Assfactor 4, Chino Horde, Merel

Plus Life was a short-lived band with a span of two years of its activity. Formed in the capital of Belgrade, the quintet banded together to release their debut EP "Modern Life Mathematics in 2006. It was rumoured that the new material was in the works, however that never came to fruition and then the band called it quits in 2007. Afterwards, a few band members went on to play in various different bands (see related bands).

Their debut EP "Modern Life Mathematics" consists of 6 tracks of unnerving dissonant and fastened post-hardcore tensions, completely reminiscent of 2nd wave of emo, especially ones from Dischord and/or Ebulition Records. Although it relies a bit too much into hardcore (shouts and all) and comes off a bit of a cliche and dated, especially in the year 2006, it is cool to hear the old-school 90's emo in their songwriting. An underrated discovery.

LISTEN TO THE EP HERE.

DOWNLOAD HERE.

pospano

Location: Zagreb, Croatia

Year active: 2018 - active

Members: Juraj Rebernjak (vocals, guitar, piano, programming, bass,)

Related bands: ???

Labels: Self-released

FFO: Paramore (post-Farro era), The Postal Service, problemi

Who knows what a young musician from the capital of Croatia can create such a wonderful experience of an album? If you ask a fellow Yugoslav, they will tell you exactly what they're thinking about.

pospano is Juraj Rebernjak's new solo project based in Zagreb back in 2018. He's released his debut album 'try again' in 2023. His bandcamp states that it took him 6 years to write, compose, sing, mix and master the album on his own. Meanwhile, he went to the capital's music academy where he not only learned to play piano, guitar and saxophone, but also learn about production, mixing and mastering. Given his learning experiences there, you can basically tell this guy knows his shit.

This 11-track album 'try again' is such an eclectic piece of music. It contains a myriad of influences drawing from bedroom pop, emo pop, hyperpop and indietronica. The entire album is sung in English, with the exception of 'nisam' being the only song in Croatian and 'metro' being the only instrumental interlude. Dancey tracks such as 'bird song' and 'lobby couch' give us strong post-Farro Paramore vibes, even more so with After Laughter, although with a bit of Hyperpop touch, while slower, guitar ridden songs like 'unbothered', 'hours in the dark' and 'less is more' allows the album more room to breathe into its pace. 

My favourite track of the album is a 7 minute 'angels' featuring some of the deepest lyrics. Lamenting from 'needing an angel' for a guidance but ends up not fully committing or 'not being able to stay', which then commences a change of tempo on 3:20 to a much slower tempo and the repetitive lament of 'getting tired' and that 'nothing ever happens cause i wanted it to', finally setting off to fully change and embrace life, stressing that he's 'paralysed only by existing/I'm terrified of it disappearing/I'm getting tired of how I'm feeling/I’ve grown to like you but now I’m leaving' before dissolving into a tidal wave of catharsis. If you actually sit down and listen to it, you have to be really prepared to get drowned on it, because it is so deep.

pospano's unique and mysterious aura surrounding its debut is what made me love this project. I am definitely looking forward for the next release, hopefully to be even better in the near future.

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS ARTIST VIA BANDCAMP.

Reflections of Internal Rain

Location: Novi Sad, Serbia

Year active: 2004 - active

Members: Petar Žutić (guitar), Ivan Sabo (guitar, vocals), Nebojša Ćato (drums), Ivan Gačević (vocals), Nikola Crvenković (bass, vocals)

Related bands: 3D Roshava Pipe, Ground Zero, Shoplifters

Labels: Fast 'n' Easy Records, Geenger Records, Good Samaritan Records, Shitpiece Records, SKC Records, Strikedown Records.

FFO: Ekkaia, Fall of Efrafa, His Hero Is Gone, Tragedy

Oh man, i don't know where to begin. This band, given where they came from and all, is definitely something, like an unforgiving, benevolent force. And i admit, i haven't seen them that much, but i had luck seeing them live along with No Omega and Eaglehaslanded back in September 2013, taking place at a once defunct club called Panic Room Žica. It is one of my very first time attending a hardcore show, so when ROIR came along, their set commenced a mosh pit, which shook me to the absolute core. I have never seen such ferocity of atmosphere coming at me like that. It was definitely one of the unforgettable experience.

Formed in 2004, they released a demo EP "Across This Emptiness" in 2005, as well as a split with a Russian band Rededrang, before releasing their debut LP "Last Flood" in 2009. The LP contains 14 track barrage of apocalyptic guitar melodic, throat shredding vocals, rhythmic military machine gun drums with vocals dealing with topics of trauma, given from a country with a rich history of trauma, as well as their dedication to a friend who passed away in Stefan Ilincic in 2007. Their music has gained popularity in its local Novi Sad scene and has garnered attention outside Serbia, as well as extensive touring across Europe. 

Throughout their touring, they have released a split release with a fellow neocrust band from Banja Luka, Deer In The Headlights in 2011. However, due to an apparent dispute, each of them re-released their respective sides, with ROIR titling the EP as "Answers" in the following year, before falling into a near-decade of deep hiatus.

The EP exhales a bit of fresh air into the screamo territory, almost leaning into elements of Raein, Amanda Woodward and Daitro while keeping up with their neo-crust roots. It keeps up with being more brutal, unforgiving and visceral while closing with a revised and longer version of "Roir Barmy Army".

Note: This segment is taken from my review on behalf of DIYConspiracy.com

After nearly a decade of absence, the ROIR team has awoken from their hibernation and come back stronger than ever with their latest release titled "Eight". A six track EP packed with a lot of conciseness, care and a few deep punches. According to the band, the title Eight refers to a member’s parent’s eight-month battle with cancer, so the lyrical content takes a deep dive into that experience, an experience so harrowing it’s overwhelming with despair.

With the exception of the EP’s final song, “Overcoming The Silence,” which laments:

Tired of feeling broken,
abandoned, wanted to believe
that nothing has changed,
that everyone will stay the same.

But then ROIR proceeds to take a few steps further to acceptance and clarity, followed with:

My lungs full of clean air,
moment of clarity and overcoming of the silence.
Nothing’s going to stay the same,
this is the last time I pull the strings
to my own arms.

This is an EP that is set to grow on you for good reason. ROIR’s release is a celebration of humanity’s most vulnerable moments in life, giving the ability to grieve, accept and move on.

And that is the end of ROIR's discography so far. Given that they're the only neocrust to come out of Serbia who has managed to influence a lot of bands from the region, i highly salute them and root for them to continue with their craft and inspire as many people in and out of their scene as much as they can. This is without the doubt one of the influential acts in the region.

GIG REVIEW: MAKE VOJVODINA EMO AGAIN (Idiedthisfebruary, See It My Way, Ubili Su Batlera, Brazde) 3.2.24.

Yay, another gig review! This time taking place in Crna Kuca (CK13), the DIY antifa venue located in Novi Sad fifteen minutes away from the nearest train station.

The even in question is "Make Vojvodina Emo Again" aiming to promote emo/screamo bands from Vojvodina, particularly in Novi Sad. It also happens to include one band from Belgrade in support for their Vojvodinian neighbors.

Starting off with Idiedthisfebruary, their chaotic projectile rollercoaster runs for usual 15 minutes with Evangelion projection blaring in the middle of their set. This isn't my first time attending their show, so i was able to catch up again. With that being said, compared to the disappointment from the disengaged crowd at Zappa Barka, this time they have proven to be chaotic, kinetic and more engaging to their Novi Sad audience. Their frenetic presence has definitely paid off the event big time.

Up next is Novi Sad's acoustic emo trio See It My Way, ready to set the change of pace with something calm, serene and maybe joyful. Now, this is the first time i'm seeing them and i am enjoying the hell out of it. Their entire acoustic shtick made the entire scene wholesome and cozy. The entire setlist ranges from their own songs to covers such as Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" and Debeli Prijecednik's Nema Me with a guest vocalist on stage, as well as being very engaging with their audience in between takes. I am used to more aggressive acts on the venue, however i don't mind seeing this group for a change.

Afterward follows Ubili Su Batlera from Belgrade, who are prepared to shake the nest with riveting passionate hardcore with more moshing and more crowdsurfing, lasting around 30 minutes. The one that struck us all is that epic track probably named "Ubili su ga" that will be appearing in Hali Gali's upcoming compilation. With so much happening for just 4 minutes shows how raw and epic it can all get. The Butlers definitely steal the show.

Then comes Brazde to finish off the event with their warm and heartfelt midwest emo sentiments for the last 15 minutes of their set. In comparison to the Butlers, Brazde keeps it concise and not too rowdy but still engaging to the core. Being the last band to play on this bill makes sense, as the entire melancholic atmosphere sets the bittersweet farewell of the event very well. 

This event is honestly one of my favorites that i've ever attended in my lifetime. I look forward to seeing up and coming bands at this event in the near future and spread the word as much as possible. Thanks to CK13 and Rebuild Collective for keeping this small scene alive. MAKE VOJVODINA EMO AGAIN.

GIG REVIEW: Brazde, Monica & Ubili Su Batlera

Finally. Another gig review. In fact, the very first gig i've ever been in 2024. It's about time i caught a glimpse of some new acts of Serbia taking place in the capital's hipster haven of Savamala called KC Grad.

The first gig, of course, starts with Brazde, an upcoming post-harcore/emo quartet from Novi Sad. At first, i felt very upset over the fact that i wasn't able to attend their very first show in Novi Sad. But then again, they're just getting started with their gigs, so of course they aren't going anywhere... for awhile.

Anyhoo, Brazde shares its flavor of post-hardcore/90's midwest emo, with dueling male/female vocal duties. Sort of like Endive, Eldritch Anisette and overo. They have given out so much raw energy for such a short runtime, like 15 minutes or so? It felt so short that it left me beg for more.

Here are a few share of photos i've made and of course a one song snippet of each band, including a video live clip i took.

Next up is Monica, a new outlet hailing from Belgrade. This band is drawing a mix of questionable influences from the likes of Sonic Youth, Loathe, Deftones, Kyuss, Title Fight etc. It's hard to say whether they're post-hardcore, alt metal, Stoner Rock, any variate thereof.

Without further ado, let's just say that Monica can hype up the crowd. Literally. Their numbers got  people up and dancing for good half-an-hour runtime, although a bit too long. I wouldn't say they're my next favorite, but that's irrelevant. They sure do know how to rock.

And finally, we have Ubili Su Batlera, yet another upcoming Belgradian outlet (whose member previously played an instrumental solo project). They are what Monica described as "Serbia's Title Fight" and this description fits right just as they started performing. They are definitely this gig's highlight. They've gotten the crowd to dance together, accompanied with strobe lights flickering to their songs' intensity. What makes this gig even more memorable is when they invited Ilija of Daze to execute his vocal duties for them, which made my night even better. Nothing but an enormous energy of raw and passion.

And there you have it, three fresh bands from Novi Sad and Belgrade. The thing is, Monica and Brazde haven't officially released anything, except for Ubili Su Batlera, whose luch0 had released a few demo tracks on his YouTube channel. With that being said, it's very important that you keep up with their Instagram pages and hopefully wait for their stuff to be released very soon!