Jahmmi Youth & Zafayah with Root Souljah - "Black Gully Side" (official video)

Here's one surprisingly good reggae video that comes from my home country of Bulgaria. The two responsible for it are Jahmmi Youth and Zafayah of Bulgarian reggae band Root Souljah who made the video in support of Kara dere, one of the few places on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast that is still not overbuild but the appetites from the business circles grows steadily towards the place. The video is a debut as director for Alexander Poplilov aka Sen I, frontman of Root Souljah and the man behind the Bulgarian reggae label Roots Rocket. Perfect song for the summer.

Ето един изненадващо добър видео клип идващ от родната ми България. Двамата виновници за него са Jahmmi Youth и Zafayah от родната реге група Root Souljah, които са направили клипа в подкрепа на Кара дере, едно от малкото места по българското Черноморие, което още не е застроено, но към което има все по-големи апетити от страна на бизнес средите. Видеото е режисьорски дебют за Александър Попливов ака Sen I, фронтмен на Root Souljah и човека зад реге лейбъла Roots Rocket. Песента е просто перфектна за лятото.

COMING SOON: Parkway Drive

If you're Bulgarian and into that kind of music chances are that you already know about this. But if you're the type of guy or gal for whom internet is a abstract thing, don't have a lot of friends or you're simply not from around here then this might come as a surprise. To summarize Australian metalcore band Parkway Drive are coming to play in Sofia as part of their European tour. The warm-up consists of the local bands Expectations and Melekh. The date is 07.07.11, the place is the well-known club Mixtape5, the tickets are 25lv (presale) and 30lv at place and the show starts at 20:00. It's going to be huge so if you're Parkway Drive fan be there!

Sisters of Radomir - "Hippies of Pernik" (official video)

Debut video for the Bulgarian band Sisters of Radomir, a band that I used to think of as industrial (even in the clip there's some obvious Rammstein influences) but the band themselves describes their sound as black 'n' roll. Well the band does incorporate some aspects of the black metal genre but upon careful listening one will clearly distinguish other influences as well. Still the whole thing sounds good.

Дебютно видео на българската банда Sisters of Radomir, група която поне аз дълго време смятах за industrial (дори клипа ми бие малко на Rammstein). Интересното е, че самата група се определя като блек енд рол, в което лошо няма, но като изключим вокалите и имиджа, друго общно с блек метъла май нямат. Личи си, че имат и други влияния освен очевадните. Иначе признавам си не съм се интересувал от бандата, дори не съм ги гледал още на живо, но през цялото време докато гледах клипа, имах натрапчивото усещане, че вокала ми е познат от някъде. Незнам защо, но страшно много ми прилича на Киро от бившата вече телевизия ММ. Не че има някакво значение, ама ми стана интересно. Иначе "хвалебствената" песен за пернишките хипита е готина, но далеч не им е единствената добра. Интересен експеримент съчетаващ в себе си блек метъл, индъстриъл, рок и може би още нещо, което сега ми убягва. Дали това е нещо временно или Сестрите имат намерение да се развиват като група, предстои да се разбере. А дотогава слушайте миньорските излияния на тези Сестри.

Shelter/Подслон

I like the bulgarian cinema. And it's not because I'm Bulgarian. It's because we have nice films both old and new. Lately the bulgarian cinema experienced something of a revival in the past year or two. New films are being made each year, new cinematographers are making names for themselves and new faces are gracing the screens. I'm personally happy about all that because I saw some really good and interesting films during this period namely Eastern Plays, Dzift, The World Is Big And Salvation Lurks Around The Corner and so on. I'm waiting to see the second movie effort of Kamen Kalev, The Island. But until then I think I found something that is no less interesting and I intend to see it once it's released officially in cinemas here. The movie in question is Shelter. Shelter is the big screen cinematographic debut of Drago Sholev, previously working on short films and animations. The movie already won the grand prize of Sofia Film Fest. In his debut feature he explores the relationships between children and parents. The story in Shelter revolves around two exemplary parents and their seemingly rebellious kid who one day decides to leave the house with his punk friends. What really lies behind the doors of this almost perfect family will be revealed on the 10th of June when Shelter officially opens in cinemas in Sofia and across Bulgaria.

P.S.: I decided to throw some Crass songs in this post because of that kid with the big Crass patch. Enjoy!

Харесвам българското кино. И не защото съм Българин. А защото имаме наистина добри филми, нови и стари. В последните една-две години българското кино изживява нещо като ренесанс. Всяка година се правят нови филми, нови кинотворци се налагат като имена и нови лица озаряват киноекраните. Лично аз съм щастлив от този факт, защото през този период успях да видя няколко много добри според мен филми като "Източни Пиеси", "Дзифт" и "Светът е Голям и Спасение Дебне Отвсякъде" и други. Чакам с нетърпение да видя новата кинотворба от режисьора на "Източни Пиеси" Камен Калев, но дотогава мисля, че си намерих нещо не по-малко интересно, което ще гледам след като тръгне официално по кината. Става дума за филма "Подслон", режисьорски дебют на Драго Шолев, който според оскъдната информация, която намерих за него има зад гърба си само една анимация и късометражен филм (но може и да се бъркам; все пак не намерих официално био). Филмът вече е носител на голямата награда на журито на международния кинофестивал София Филм Фест, което не е малко, като се има предвид, че е първият български филм печелил тази награда. Иначе доколкото се подразбира от трейлъра, филмът разглежда взаимоотношенията между различните поколения. Историята в "Подслон" се върти около двама примерни на пръв поглед родители, които гледат като по учебник своето дете, докато то един ден не среща група пънкари, с които се сприятелява и заради които иска да напусне дома си. Незнам за вас, но поне това е моето първо впечатлвние от рекламата на филма. Какво се крие зад образите на това почти перфектно семейство ще разберем, когато филма бъде официално пуснат по кината в София и страната от 10-ти юни.

П.П.: И за капак съм сложил малко песни на Crass заради нашивката на пънкарчето от филма.

Mental Architects - Patience, Communication, Understanding, Go! EP promo@The Box

Last night Mental Architects debuted as a math-rock band on bulgarian stage. Don't know if I mentioned before but originally they performed slightly different kind of music. My understanding is that in the last year or so they turned to math-rock and gotta admit that this was a wise decision which led to the release of Patience, Communication, Understanding, Go! EP (which I reviewed here) and of course to last night's concert. I was surprised but despite the poor advertisement and the Champions League final by eight o' clock club The Box was quite full. Obviously alot of people had heard about the promo and were eager to see the band performing live as was I. Mental Architects were quick to start even without announcing it. For their show they transformed the club into some kind of a room and my guess is that it was done for a more intimate performance which was kinda the end result. You see this wasn't your ordinary rock concert where you see the band in front of you and you headbang all the time. This time the band was off-stage and the audience surrounded the band. By doing so you somehow feel more connected with the band which also enhances the overall experience you get from the show. And I can tell that it was an awesome show. I'm sure that all of the people that were present that night will confirm. First it was Max, the drummer, that blew my away with mad drumming. I've never seen something like this here. I've been to a lot of concerts but I've never seen anything like this. This guy was unstoppable and was beating the hell out of his drums. So much energy that resonated throughout the club was just overwhelming. He's probably one of the most energetic and technical bulgarian drummers I've seen in a very long time. He gave everything for one memorable performance and that was felt by everyone I'm sure. His drumming skills were complimented by the excellent guitar support from the two guitarists Anton and Nikolay. Both men did not stop even for a minute to pound so to speak their guitars. So violently they played that that it was contagious. So much brute force was emanating from their guitars that you could feel your head being bombarded with constant flow of sonic waves. the band played all of their songs from the EP plus some more that I presume will be included in a future album. Mental Architects did an extraordinary show that filled the venue with exuberance and prompted the band to perform one more song after they did their set. Gotta admit that I hoped that they'll play one more or two songs but alas as every good thing and this one had to end eventually. Hour or so seemed like a few minutes. So much was my exciting that even after the show I was still under the influence of their music. So much raw energy, passion and dedication are hard to come by nowadays but this guys are full of this qualities. This band's true strength lies in their live performances. Really a band to see live. I strongly recommend it as well as their EP!

Happy 24th of May!!!

Today is 24th of May. We bulgarians celebrate this day as the Day of the Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture and the Slavic Writing. This is a national holiday in Bulgaria and it's celebrated because of the creation of the first slavic alphabet (Glagolica or Glagolitic alphabet) from the byzantine brothers Cyril and Methodius. Later it was reworked by one of their students, Kliment, into what is now known as cyrilic alphabet or Kirilica, named after his teacher Cyril. The first celebrations of this day dates as early as the early 19th century. It is a major holiday in all of Eastern Europe and Russia. Happy 24th of May!!!

Mindown - I Am Alive

Latest single for bulgarian alternative-rock band Mindown from their sophomore album Unused Untold Unwritten released earlier this year. Another bulgarian band worth checking.

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Automatic Flowers - "False Reality" (official video)

Another good one. Brand new video for bulgarian alternative-rock band Automatic Flowers's latest single from their debut album Before The After. The entire album can be heard below or on their bandcamp site. Really good album.





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4? - As I Am/Surviving A Car Crash

Here's something from my country that I felt I should share with all of you simply because it's damn good. Two videos respectively for "As I Am" and "Surviving A Car Crash" by bulgarian alternative-rock band 4? (four questions) from their debut album Someone Else. Damn good songs if you ask me.

official site
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Baklava will be screened (again) in Sofia

The most controversial bulgarian movie in the last twenty years banned from screening by the Bulgarian state will be shown after all these years in selected cinemas in several bulgarian cities. Actually this is the second screening in Sofia. The first was in 12th May but I was unable to watch it that day. I know others missed it too. In case you still wanna see it here's the new screening dates:

16th May, Sofia, Vlaikova Cinema, 20:00, 6lv
17th and 18th May, Stara Zagora, Promax Cinema, 18:30 and 20:30, 6lv
19th May, Veliko turnovo, Chitalishte Nadejda, 19:00, 6lv
20th May, Plovdiv, Lucky Cinema, 20:00, 6lv

: BAKLAVA : official trailer 01 : HD from Lost Vulgaros on Vimeo.

: BAKLAVA : official trailer 02 : HD from Lost Vulgaros on Vimeo.

Straight Opposition, Rejection, My Distance, Blackmail

So the concert finished like 30 minutes ago and I can say that it was a good one. Wish it was little bit longer though.
First I'll start with Blackmail from Sofia. Tonight was their debut and from what I saw I can say that they did pretty well. They seemed little bit nervous but that's normal giving the fact that tonight they played for the first time in front of an audience. Still can't say much about them as I have very faint impression from their set. Still I heard some not so bad old-school hardcore that seemed nice.
The second band for the evening was My Distance from L'Aquila, Italy. I really enjoyed their set. They played the brand of hardcore I like the most - fast and melodic (think Comeback Kid). Don't be fooled it wasn't for the faint-hearted nevertheless. To be honest from the two italian bands this one I liked the most. Their uncompromising gritty sound grabbed me right away. From what I can say they performed songs from their last album Standing Against The Odds (with such a name for album how can you not love them). Anyways My Distance turned out to be the pleasant surprise for me this evening. The town of L'Aquila despite all the hardships that it endured after the 2009 earthquake definitely can be proud with this boys as they represent the community in the best way possible despite being relatively new band. I recommend them to anyone seeking something new.
Third onstage came Rejection. Well our guys simply don't have a weak set. Proof of that was the serious movement that begun in front of the stage. Finally I saw a real circlepit and also some sing-a-longs. Despite their scarce appearances Rejection had a strong presence and did as always a good show.
In around 21:50 came the last band for the evening, Straight Opposition from Pescara, Italy. Unfortunately they had about ten minutes or so to perform which left them with enough time for very few songs. Since for me it was the first time seeing them I wanted to see much more alas few minutes after 22:00pm they finished playing. Still I liked their brand of fast and angry hardcore. Even with a few songs played they managed to move the crowd that came tonight which resulted in some pretty rad moshpit. I'm sure that they wanted to play more. Circumstances prevented them from doing so which was kinda stupid as the band was damn good.
In conclusion it was a good night despite the few people that came and the premature ending of Straight Opposition' set. I was glad to be there.

"The Island" by Kamen Kalev due in October

Kamen Kalev, known for his short film "Get The Rabbit Back" (joint project with Dimitar Mitovski) and more importantly for "Eastern Plays" which became his cinematographic breakthrough has finished filming his second movie "The Island". The main roles are given respectively to french actress Laetitia Casta and dutch actor Ture Lindhart. The film is set to be released in October in cinemas across Bulgaria. Meanwhile a official trailer has been released.

Бате Сашо - На Върха (official video)

I normally don't post much hip-hop on my blog but this is way too good and deserves a mention. The song itself is brand new and is rather patriotic which is kinda odd giving the fact that most bulgarian hip-hop artists prefer to exhibit a more gangsta attitude. But Bate Sasho aka Methaphorce was always different even when he posted regularly his music in one already dead music forum where I also liked to write from time to time. I'm glad that we have artists with conscience like him. Bulgaria's finest. Enjoy!

Odd Crew - Two Steps To Hell (Official Video)

Here's the brand new video for "Two Steps To Hell" by the bulgarian metal band Odd Crew off their second album "A Bottle Of Friends". Good stuff!

Nasekomix - "Adam's Bushes, Eva's Deep"

You probably heard already about this band. The reference for bulgarian alternative music for 2010. Probably one of the best alternative acts we have here and one who is already recognized not only by the local public but the international as well. Combining several musical genres into a unique blend of music which is their distinctive trademark when trying to describe their sound. The band itself isn't new. On the contrary they formed a decade ago (if memory serves well) and back then they sounded very different from now. In their early days they had more electronic sound than now and were more eclectic. Later on they changed their sound to what is now known as Nasekomix. Until 2010 the band was relatively unknown, one of many, part of the obscurity that is the bulgarian alternative scene. 2010 saw the release of Kamen Kalev's debut movie "Eastern Plays" which OST included two songs from Nasekomix's debut album, the first being "Inject Me With Love" and the other being "Lady Song". Basically that's when Nasekomix hit it big and received mainstream popularity and to some extend success. Since the release of their debut album "Adam's Bushes, Eva's Deep" (which was sold out almost immediately) all of a sudden everyone started talking about Nasekomix which is a good thing because it led to several concerts in the capital as well as in the province. Later that year saw the release of their brand new video for the "Definitely Song". The charming lead singer Andronia also took part in Sentimental Swingers, a musical formation performing mainly swing music, participating alongside the lovely Desy from Phuture Shock.

Their distinctive sound could be felt through-out the entire album. "Adam's Bushes, Eva's Deep" contains 13 tracks in both bulgarian and english albeit the songs in english are slightly more. The album itself sets a non-constant rhythm with songs that are more energetic followed by more mellow ones. The lyrics as usual are more abstract than one can hope for which will ensure a charming confusion in all those listening to their music. The first song "Amore Mio" shows that Nasekomix haven't forgotten their electronic roots as the song incorporates a clearly faster electro sound. The second song is the one that gave the album it's name. This song is more calm with strong stand-up bass in the background. The song have this strangely lustful feel about it. The third song is the reason I became a fan of Nasekomix in the first place. "Wrong Boy" is nothing short of epic and sounds like it was written for the soundtrack of one of those superhero movies. Andronia's haunting voice blends perfectly with the rather gloomy character of the song, which in the same time has this odd flamenco/salsa/whatever feeling about it (or maybe I'm going crazy). "Definitely Song" is the forth song from the album and the third to be released as a single. This one reminds me of Death In Vegas. Weird isn't it? The next one, "Inject Me With Love" sound like the desperate plea of a junkie for some love. The song touches on the subject of love and the overall mood of it is kinda dark. "Lone Tango" sounds like a song perfect for seducing your love interest, who always eludes you at the end. Loneliness is the key word here. "Tick-Tock Song" is more experimental where electro clashes with some heavy guitars. "Lady Song" carries that distinctive acordeon sound so typical for Nasekomix. The overall tone somewhat spells desperation but in a twisted and beautiful way. "I Wanna Fall In Love" hits you right from the beginning with a more optimistic sound and upbeat tempo. THE song for the lonely hearts and those looking to invest their feelings in someone. "Day Comes, Night Comes" feels like the logical continuation of the previous song. It's like what happens when two lovers meet. Sensual and seductive song for loved ones. Next comes "Hell Song" which is kinda like a break-up song after a hot and sensual night with your partner. Bitter and angry is how this song feels like. "Himalayas" is definitely peaceful and calm song which kinda chases away the angst from the previous song. The very last song is an acoustic version of "Definitely Song" and probably was intended as a bonus song. The acoustic version shows Andronia's voice dominating over the rest of the song. A violin and acordeon only add to the sadness of the song. Yet nothing is more beautiful than Roni's singing.
In conclusion I have to say that Nasekomix's "Adam's Bushes, Eva's Deep" is really a pleasant surprise and grants the listener with rewarding experience in the form of strange and beautiful new sounds and a voice that will haunt one's imagination for a very long time.
A real must have! 6/6

Nasekomix myspace

Контрол/Kontrol

The americans got Ramones, the brits got Sex Pistols, the bulgarians got Kontrol...
Well not exactly. You see Ramones and Sex Pistols might very well dispute over the claim which band is the first punk band ever. Respectively they are each first and most famous when it comes to punk in those countries. The case with Kontrol is slightly different. Kontrol is not the first punk band in Bulgaria. Far from it. When they came to exist there were already a couple of bands that were making a name for themselves like DDT, Novi Cvetia, Revu and probably others. But Kontrol us one of the best-known punk-rock bands in Bulgaria if not the most popular. Kontrol is known even among people who do not listen to punk partly because their music is not entirely punk. Kontrol should be compared to the likes of Ramones as it's not strictly a punk band, but instead incorporates elements of rock, even metal. Actually some might disagree that they're even punk at all but it's widely accepted that they're indeed punk. Kontrol are also one of the oldest punk acts in the country formed in the late '80's. Thing is that Kontrol were so popular at one time that most people used to listen to them simply because it was "cool". Even today the band remained popular and their songs can be heard from time to time and you can see people singing their songs even if they're not into punk.
In 1989 they release a split album with New Generation (Нова Генерация). 1990 sees the release of their second album "БУМ" which is followed with a nation-wide tour alongside the rock band FSB. Later the band made it's most famous album to date titled "Леле, како" (1992) including their biggest hits "The Happiest Day", "Beat The Kid", "Lele Kako" and so on. In 1994 Kontrol releases its last studio album "ЛЮБОFF". Shortly after the main vocalist leaves the band. In 2000 Kontrol now with a new vocal relases its fifth studio album „Пазете си децата“. Four years after that the band relases its best of album titled „Те Т'ва е!“. They had concerts with Hipodil, Revu, Kultur Shock and Pero Defformero.

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