The Arts Desk,
Album Review
>>
One of the more unlikely developments in clubland over the past decade has been the rise of the Balkan Beats scene, wherein the manic sound of Roma gypsy folk has been adapted for 21st-century dancefloors. Acts such as Shantel, Balkan Beatbox and even Basement Jaxx have embraced and popularised the sound and here DJ Robert Soko chooses a “greatest hits” selection by Serbian father-son operation, the Boban I Marko Markovic Orkestar. Hailing originally from traditional Balkan music, playing at weddings and concerts, the Marcovics have, over the years, allowed a flavour of jazz, cinematic sounds, and even funk, to infect their oeuvre. When they really let fly, their music has a propulsive drive and a crazed energy that anyone who’s enjoyed a night of raving should be able to relate to. Quite apart from that, though, tunes such as “Khelipe E Cheasa”, the traditional Jewish wedding song “Hava Naguila” or the antic “Sljivovica” have a complexity that belies their cheeky upbeat tone. Either way, Golden Horns is a vibrant introduction to a band whose concerts should not be missed. 06/10/12
>> go there
|