KALABALAK

This album marks the beginning of Leb i Sol's turn to the more accessible, commercial music. It contains a few true poprock numbers, such as the title track, which does include some jazzy riffs but is overall a pop-oriented number. The standout tracks here are the instrumentals "Bistra voda" and "Zelena fotelja mog doma", which are truly beautiful pieces. "Billion air conditions" has some of Stefanovski most virtuoso playing, but is mostly a vehicle for his guitar skills, just like "Pubertet vlada gradom". Arsovski contributes with a good instrumental "Bez reci" which also features an incredible solo by Stefanovski. The weakest number is "Malo sutra", a slow and dull pop number which is briefly livened up by a sax solo, which however fails to impress.

"Kalabalak" is one of Leb i Sol's weaker albums, but it did have more commercial success than it's predecessors, sadly. This one deserves 3.5.

Here LEB I SOL returned to the more instrumental form with only two vocal tracks out of 8, but what was interesting they delivered again a very good album after disappointing "Sledovanje". The same line-up was supported by an organist and a sax player which added the more adventurous fusion with some funk groove, not exactly on par with their early albums, still very close. The title track "Kalabalak" is indeed too poppy song, being a smash hit and is probably the worst track on the album, although it is not bad as a decent pop-rock as such. The remaining stuff is excellent music, only occasionally spoiled by those terrible mid-1980s production (electronic drum effects etc.). Arsovski plays his bass more with a funky rhythms but it is not in a bad meaning. Highlight of the album is his composition "Bistra voda" (Eng. Clear Water) which is one of the most beautiful and emotional melodies of their catalogue and of the entire ex-YU music scene. Thus, I would increase the rating of the previous reviewer a bit, giving little bit more than 3,5 stars: it is very good listening, not only for fusion fans but to wider prog rock audience and can be recommended.