INNER FLOW

So, this is a collection of previously unissued tracks recorded by IGRA STAKLENIH PERLI in their early years from 1976-79. It was released by German label Kalemegdan Disk in 1991, which specialized in uncovering the old, classic rock period of the former Yugoslavia. These tracks sound amazingly good and they show how awsome and diverse was the Yugoslavian music scene of the 1970s, in spite of shortage in music instruments, discographic resources and state-controlled market. ISP were well-known as the premier psychedelic band, but what is also obvious from this collection is that they equally cherished their love for German Kraut rock scene. Due to droning spacey electronics, strong rhythm section and whispering vocals, they are the closest to CAN in terms of influences. Just listen to "Magic Machine" and "Lake of Lily" and you will notice the spiritual presence of Damo Suzuki, Holger Czukay et al.; the latter being a fine answer to guitar craziness of "Mother Sky" from CAN's "Soundtracks". The lengthy title track is pure acid rock filled with fuzzed guitar, bongo percussions and tribal bass thumping. This is excellent album that any serious psycho/kraut lover should grab. It's a real gem excavated from the Yugoslavian back catalogue that should be treated as a precious jewel. A brilliant and adventurous experimental psychedelic music!

According to the liner notes these tracks were basically demos or recordings of local concerts they did in Belgrade prior to the release of their debut album in 1979. I really didn't find the sound quality too bad at all and while I prefer the self titled studio album more, this is definitely worth getting a hold of if your a fan of Psychedelic music. This was released originally in 1991 by a German label.

"Flow Access" is the short opener as we get abrasive sounds along with this mellow pulsating sound throughout. "Hotel Wave" has what sounds like light keys as the bass joins in. Drums and guitar follow. It picks up after 3 minutes. Vocal melodies before 4 minutes. "Magic Machine" is my favourite. Organ, bass and a beat to start as psychedelic guitar joins in. Nice. Faint vocals after 2 minutes. The vocals stop then the beat stops as it turns spacey before 4 1/2 minutes. It's dark with voices 6 1/2 minutes in. "Lake Of Lily" features a rhythm that picks up speed as the organ joins in. Vocals after 2 minutes but they don't stay around long.

"Dracula's Dance" has this heavy rhythm and abrasive guitar. I like it. Bass comes to the fore after 5 minutes. "Inner Flow" opens with percussion and organ as the guitar comes in and starts to solo. It's intense 4 1/2 minutes in. It turns spacey before 6 1/2 minutes then picks back up before 9 minutes with guitar, organ and drums. They're kicking ass late to end it. "Balkan IV" opens with atmosphere as guitar and other sounds come and go. Vocal sounds and samples come in after 2 1/2 minutes.

The debut album is a must but if you can get your hands on this too I wouldn't hesitate.