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FSB

Crossover Prog • Bulgaria


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FSB biography
FSB (also known as Formation Studio Balkanton and ФСБ) came together as a trio in 1975, comprising Rumen BOYADZHIEV (keyboards/vocals), Konstantin CEKOV (keyboards/vocals) and Alexander BAHAROV (bass/vocals). They attempted to combine Bulgarian folk music and progressive rock in a way that seemed unimaginable to many in that country. After two albums they became a quintet, with the addition Ivan LECHEV (guitar) and Petar SLAVOV (drums), and the combination of their music and a powerful live experience made them one of the most popular bands around.

In 1983 Ivailo KRAICHOVSKI joined FSB as bassist, and the band then made history as being the first Bulgarian rock group to play a stadium concert in front of 15,000 fans. They also became in-demand session musicians that saw them have an impact on the country's pop scene, as well as definitely changing the material coming through on their own albums. In 1987 FSB started working with Jose FELICIANO, with Rumen and Konstantin arranging and producing FELICIANO's album 'I'M NEVER GONNA CHANGE'. The resulting hit single ''CIELLITO LINDO'' gained the band a Grammy, the only Bulgarian group ever to be presented with one.

Through the last 35 years the band have stayed working within the music industry, either recording and performing in their own right or working with other musicians to provide whatever is required, whether it be access to their studio, production, music etc. They are still seen as one of the most important bands ever to come out of Bulgaria, and Rumen BOYADJIEV, Konstantin TSEKOV and Ivan LECHEV are again working as a trio and still producing music.

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FSB discography


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FSB top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

2.65 | 21 ratings
Non Stop
1977
3.43 | 27 ratings
FSB II
1979
3.00 | 18 ratings
The Globe
1980
3.03 | 11 ratings
78 RPM
1981
3.46 | 13 ratings
Ten Years After
1983
3.10 | 10 ratings
ESB VI
1984
3.07 | 8 ratings
I Love You Up to Here
1987
3.25 | 8 ratings
FSB.
2010

FSB Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.10 | 10 ratings
In Concert
1985

FSB Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

FSB Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.50 | 4 ratings
Singles
1989
4.00 | 4 ratings
Bonus Tracks
1993
4.00 | 4 ratings
Anthology Vol. 1
1999
4.00 | 4 ratings
Anthology Vol. 2
1999
4.00 | 4 ratings
Anthology Vol.3
1999
4.00 | 4 ratings
Ballad
2000

FSB Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

FSB Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 78 RPM by FSB album cover Studio Album, 1981
3.03 | 11 ratings

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78 RPM
FSB Crossover Prog

Review by A Crimson Mellotron
Prog Reviewer

3 stars '78 rpm' is the fourth studio album by Bulgarian rock band FSB (Formation Studio Balkanton), released in 1981, after three pretty good and successful albums for the scope of such a band. Being their second release in the 80s, just a year after the very funky 'The Globe', one can easily imagine that the sound won't be too different. The same stylistic values apply for this record - the new wave sensibility is even stronger here, the melodies are even more memorable and the songwriting is also slightly tighter, even a hair more mature, if you wish. An important release for the band, as it marked their transformation from a studio project to an actual performing and touring act!

The mastermind-duo of keyboardists and vocalists Rumen Boyadzhiev and Konstantin Tzekov do not disappoint with their tremendous vocals and playful melodies, as they are joined by bassist Aleksandar Baharov, drummer Petar Slavov and Bulgaria guitar virtuoso Ivan Lechev, whose role in the band has always been quite interesting, as FSB are a very synth-centered band that is well-known for their funky and accessible tunes with smart lyrics. So, the guitar parts in their songs are always 'well-calculated' and precisely put in place.

A total of six songs and a playtime of around 22 minutes, this record is in the same vein as all of their previous albums, with very tight and to-the-point rock numbers. What could be referred to as side one, or the first three songs, I consider to be some of their best - 'Illusion', 'Seasons' and 'Voyage' are all great and memorable songs that showcase the full power and capabilities of this band. As one can imagine, the 'edge' or the 'personality' of this band comes from the dual keyboards and the dual vocals, which happen to be the most convincing at this point in FSB's career. Side two is not worse, maybe more mellow and lyrical but still decent and original, containing the songs 'It happens?', '78 rpm' and 'Sleeplessness'.

A good and enjoyable album, quite similar to their third, 'The Globe' but a hair more polished. Moreover, this album can serve as an excellent snapshot of the new wave sensibility (that dominated this decade) of this part of the world. However, is this album progressive rock? Not necessarily but this is the label that usually goes with this band mainly because of the time they were formed (lates 70s) and their first two albums (that contained covers of prog rock songs and some really proggy original compositions).

 The Globe by FSB album cover Studio Album, 1980
3.00 | 18 ratings

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The Globe
FSB Crossover Prog

Review by A Crimson Mellotron
Prog Reviewer

3 stars A good, enjoyable, and lighthearted third album from Bulgarian rock band FSB (or Formation Studio Balkanton). Much like their second release, this one combines elements of prog, funk, new-wave, and tiny bits of jazz, all shaped in the form of five short songs, clocking in at 20 minutes of total playtime, making 'The Globe' the band's shortest album.

Well-planned ideas, and well-executed. This album has surprising sonic qualities, given the country of origin and the release year. Adding two new members, and forming a quintet, it was this album that really helped FSB become a touring live act, rather than just a studio project for covers (as they did in their earliest incarnation).

Among the standout tracks, I would name 'Generation' and 'Kaleidoscope'. Besides this, it is hard to find bad songs among the five compiling this really brief listen, so a good album by itself, in its own universe.

 FSB II by FSB album cover Studio Album, 1979
3.43 | 27 ratings

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FSB II
FSB Crossover Prog

Review by A Crimson Mellotron
Prog Reviewer

3 stars 'FSB II' is the follow-up to what is arguably Bulgaria's most important and successful rock band's peculiar debut, consisting entirely of covers of prog bands. This time the album consists of original material only and is severely better than its predecessor. Once again, the sound is focused around the two keyboardists ' Rumen Boyadzhiev and Konstantin Tsekov, and the interplay between the two whose chemistry is also improved. Moreover, bassist Aleksandar Baharov is on top of his game, too. Their Gentle Giant-influenced early sound is very well articulated on this record, as one can hear the funky instrumental compositions, bits of prog and soul are also not absent. As with their previous album, this one is mostly instrumental with a few vocal songs.

A good balance between the groovier funky sound I already mentioned, a jazzy inclination on a few tracks, and their signature double-keyboard prog rock all give this album a versatility that not many Bulgarian bands ever achieved. The album is quite enjoyable and an easy listen, I have to say, clocking in at circa 33 minutes. 'FSB II' is without a doubt a very good album from a band that never achieved significant success outside their homeland, and also my all-time favorite from them!

 Non Stop by FSB album cover Studio Album, 1977
2.65 | 21 ratings

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Non Stop
FSB Crossover Prog

Review by A Crimson Mellotron
Prog Reviewer

2 stars Bulgarian label Balkanton gathered three musicians in 1975 - keyboardists and songwriters Rumen Boyadzhiev and Konstantin Tsekov and bassist Aleksandar Baharov, thus forming what became one of the most successful Bulgarian rock/pop bands, Formation Studio Balkanton (or FSB).

Oddly enough, for their debut studio release they decided to compose a handful of covers of not-so-obvious progressive rock songs: such from Gentle Giant, Patrick Moraz, Le Orme, and who knows who else. Sounds all good, but none of the original artists were actually credited... ever. So, this makes 'Non Stop' an album of songs which have been covered without any knowledge by the actual bands that wrote them.

As for the music here, it is a good musicians' album. Occasional lyrics have been added, plus a little help from a couple of drummers and percussionists, and a saxophone that appears on the opening track and on 'My City'. Still, is there much originality going on?

'Ten Years After' would also become the most well-known song by the band. I personally think it is mediocre but has a memorable one-line chorus.

So, overall, this is interesting to hear if you are a prog fan who wants to dig deeper than the usual stuff. I must admit there are some great sounds going on, and of course there will be when you have the double keys, the Hammond organs, the mellotron, moog synths, all sorts of electric pianos, and bass pedals!

 Non Stop by FSB album cover Studio Album, 1977
2.65 | 21 ratings

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Non Stop
FSB Crossover Prog

Review by ProgShine
Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

2 stars This album was a bit of a mystery to me, in fact FSB (or as the original name goes: ФСБ) in general is weird for me!

This is a Bulgarian band that started in late 70's and it's still playing and recording. Their first albums were a mix of Progressive Rock that is a kind of a mess, honestly.

Their first album Non Stop (1977) is some strange concept to have in your first album. I mean, the playing in general is very tight and the production is not bad at all, especially when it comes to a Bulgarian band (with no traditional at all on the Prog scene).

The album is basically instrumental being half of it of versions, but not just that, half of the album is made by Gentle Giant songs... played in instrumental versions. Now tell me, what's the point in doing that? Maybe playing like this in your concerts would be a great thing to do, but to record that? No, doesn't work!

Well, anyway, interesting as a fun listening, let's say. You can stream and buy all of their albums in their Bandcamp/Website page: music.fsb.bg/

 I Love You Up to Here by FSB album cover Studio Album, 1987
3.07 | 8 ratings

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I Love You Up to Here
FSB Crossover Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

3 stars By 1987 FSB were a very different band indeed. Only two of the members from the early albums were still there (the two keyboard players and vocalists), and the band had moved on from what many would consider prog. Now it sounded as if they had been listening to modern Genesis and indeed some of the sounds on the title song could have come from "Mama". Overall the band had moved far more into an AOR lightweight commercial rock album, but playing the three albums in the reverse order as I did initially is quite a surprise to the listener. Of course they released albums in between this and the second and third, and many more since so it is no surprise that their style has changed but with the electric guitar now much more at the forefront of their sound I was a little bemused. Also, this is an incredibly infectious album full of hooks and while this is obviously a product of the times it is great fun. For the proghead then the debut is the best but for the AOR fan then look out for 'I Love you Up To Here'.

Originally appeared in Feedback #85, July 2005

 FSB II by FSB album cover Studio Album, 1979
3.43 | 27 ratings

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FSB II
FSB Crossover Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

3 stars 1979's second album saw the band dispensing with the extra musicians and doing it all themselves as they all added a bit in the way of drums and percussion. This starts off very dreamily with seagulls adding to the atmosphere, and "Wake Up" is full of long held-down chords and gentle emotion, a very delicate and enjoyable instrumental that leads into the album. But they can strengthen it when they want to, and the bass line drives it on when necessary although they don't ever really rock out. There are times when they sound as if they have been paying attention to some of the instrumental work of Saga, which certainly makes it interesting.

Originally appeared in Feedback #84, July 2005

 Non Stop by FSB album cover Studio Album, 1977
2.65 | 21 ratings

BUY
Non Stop
FSB Crossover Prog

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

3 stars FSB are viewed as Bulgaria's foremost progressive rock group, and with a recording history that stretches back almost twenty years there is support for that. 'Non Stop' was the first album in 1977 and inside the cover slip is a photograph of all five band members, which was obviously taken more recently, and this is repeated in the other two albums I have here. Back then FSB were a trio with some extra musicians, and with two keyboard players and very little in the way of guitars they come across as a modern sounding Greenslade. Actually it is hard to believe that this is an Eastern European band and also that the album is as old as it is as it has dated very well indeed. Largely instrumental, with what lyrics there are sung in Bulgarian, this is an album that is still accessible and enjoyable.

Originally appeared in Feedback #84, July 2005

Thanks to kev rowland for the artist addition.

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