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Various Artists

Jugotronic EP

Black Pearl • 2022

»Jugotronic«: the name of the EP already alludes to the fact that the six tracks were produced before 2003, before the break-up of Yugoslavia, long before, to be precise. All tracks from the new wave, synth-pop or disco spectrum originate from the eighties and stylistically span the repertoire of the Croatian scene. Denis & Denis start off with a powerful and speedy combination of synthesisers and female vocals with a strong echo, not unlike their much better-known English contemporaries Shakatak. Igor Savin, who features with two versions of »Breakdance Ballet« that differ only in length, has seemingly drawn on inspiration from the King of Pop himself here: the number’s underlying beat sounds pretty much like »Billie Jean«, but successfully shakes off the notion of being merely a copy: cackling snatches of vocals and synthetic organ sprinkles add something new. Davor Rocco, who features twice with »Radiophonic« and »Tehno Igrarije«, abruptly changes the mood. From now on, the seriousness of Kraftwerk reigns, which is even more pronounced without lyrics. »Radiophonic« is reminiscent of »Trans Europa Express«. Vinil Desant, with Ivica Družak as only one third of the project, closes the album. The rattling sketch »Leonardo« lasts less than two minutes and rounds off this little insight.