78 RPM

'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).