Various-Yugoslavian Space Program LP, DCM-003

Yugoslavian Space Program is the first ever electronic space music themed record from former Yugoslavia. It spans the period between 1981 and 2015 and is a result of long-term research by Discom record label as a part of their ultimate effort to present undiscovered electronic music from this part of Europe. The compilation is made in collaboration with yugo artists, whose work is already highly appreciated by record collectors and DJs worldwide.

The album opens with two tracks from the Slovenian synth pioneer Miha Kralj: "Robot"– a very obscure, a la Rockets experimental electronica, and "Juh-Hu"– his recently rediscovered space gem. Next two are the previously unreleased, but surprisingly good tracks of the Serbian band Oskarova Fobija: "Izmedju Dve Kapi Znoja" (Between Two Drops of Sweat), a floating 80's synth space song, and "Mayan Spacecraft", a dancy instrumental featuring Akai's ubiquitous Shakuhachi flute patch.

Equally interesting, the B-side showcases influences of the Berlin school of electronic music. First, by the legendary group Beograd’s "Eenterstallar", which is a Klaus Schulze-like psychedelic contemplation, and their second song reminiscent of 70's krautrock masters like Tangerine Dream, "Mozak Primopredajnik" (Brain Sender Receiver). However, the highlight of this compilation comes from Digitron, a Serbo- Croatian group formed by Zoran Jevtic (of Sizike, Data, and Master Scratch Band) and Andre Koy. Like their heroes the Kraftwerk, these guys excel in forging their unique synth sound. Their song “Digital Minds” is a perfect dystopian vision of a future society, while the equally electrifying track “Kosmos”, akin to many Kraftwerk songs, draws its inspiration on the Soviet technology and culture.

The distinctive characteristic of featured recordings is the fact that all sounds and patches are synthesized and manually programmed, without extensive use of commercial samples or drum loops. In addition, the entire concept of this meticulously devised compilation, from its music selection to sound design and artwork, covers a wealth of messages and symbols of the time in some detail. On the record cover, along with sketches of Yugoslavian scientists and astronautic pioneers, whose ideas were way ahead of their time, you will also find communist-era sculptures, monuments and buildings depicted as flying crafts or celestial objects.

The goal to present Yugoslavian space electronic music in much broader context – as a result of perception and aspirations of generations of those who grew up and lived in Yugoslavia – is more than perfectly captured in this release. The fact that the country itself does not exist anymore and that this kind of music is thus impossible to create again makes this record even more significant today.

Review: Luka Novakovic, Vanja Todorovic
Text Revising: Zoran Jevtic

A side:

1. Miha Kralj- Robot
2. Miha Kralj- Juh-Hu
3. Oskarova Fobija feat. Boris Furduj, Branislav Acimovic- Izmedju Dve Kapi Znoja
4. Oskarova Fobija- Mayan Spacecraft

B side:

5. Beograd- Eenterstellar
6. Beograd- Mozak Primopredajnik
7. Digitron- Digital minds
8. Digitron- Kosmos

Music By: Miha Kralj (tracks: A1, A2), Dejan Novcic (tracks: A3, A4), Branislav Acimovic (tracks:A3,A4), Boris Furduj (tracks: A3), Dejan Stanisavljevic (tracks: B1, B2), Milos Cvetkovic (tracks: B1), Zoran Jevtic (tracks: B3, B4), Andrej Koy (tracks: B3, B4)
Lyrics By: Dusan Bizal (tracks: A1), Dejan Novcic (tracks: A3), Andrej Koy (tracks: B3, B4), Dejan Stanisavljević (tracks: B2), Zoran Jevtic (tracks: B3, B4), Andrej Koy (tracks: B3, B4)
Concept, compilation, artwork, design, executive production: Luka Novakovic, Vanja Todorovic
Mastering: Dadi Stojanovic, Studio Kazablanka, Belgrade
Lacquer cutting: Moritz Illner, Duophonic GmbH, Germany
Pressing: Schallplattenfabrik Pallas GmbH, Germany

Ⓟ 2016 Discom © Miha Kralj, Dejan Novcic, Dejan Stanisavljevic, Milos Cvetkovic, Zoran Jevtic, Andre Koy.