OPUS 1

This is an obscure and rare Yugoslavian release and the only album of OPUS. The leader M. Okrugic is a remarkable organ player and here his Hammond sound is predominant all the way through. The style of "Opus 1" was influenced by heavy organ rock of PROCOL HARUM, VANILLA FUDGE, ATOMIC ROOSTER and EL&P, while the symphonic ambitions draw inspiration from early DEEP PURPLE. Vocal of D. Prelevic is strong, slightly R&B/"black"- coloured and performance is good, but the songs and production are somewhat sub-standard. The main problem is that all the songs seem unfinished as if the authors were lacking bravity to push their ideas more agressively. But this can be said for most of the Yugoslavian "prog" artists of the era, so let's not be too harsh on OPUS. This is a valid record, in spite of not very inspired songcrafting. Instrumental performance is very good, and even with a poor production, this LP is recommended, especially given its unpopular and oblivious destiny.