IGRA SVETLOSTI

This CD release includes two LP albums by ISP originally recorded in 1979 (eponymous debut) and 1980 ("Vrt svetlosti") respectively. That fact alone - because these two were the only official releases during the band's active life until 1985 break-up - would suffice the recommended purchase. More than that, both original albums were rather poorly produced and were extremely short-running (debut even less than 30 minutes), so the remastered CD re-issue was natural to expect to appear. Thanks to Branimir Lokner, the editor of the Retrologija series (which so far re-issued several key classic and prog rock acts from the Yugoslav past like SMAK and INDEXI among others), this title "Igra svetlosti" ("The Game of Light") is now available through the PGP RTS label.

For those unfamiliar, let us remind them that ISP was perhaps the only genuine psychedelic/space rock band in the former Yugoslavia, following the path set by the early PINK FLOYD as of 1968/69, as well as by HAWKWIND and Krautrock acts of the 1970s. The band name was inspired by and taken from Hermann Hesse's novel "Das Glasperlenspiel" ("The Glassbeads Game"). They pioneered the use of lasers, light-show and special visual effects during their live performances and had a considerable cult following, mostly in the Belgrade underground scene of the late 1970s. The cover art of this CD is nicely reflecting a mesmerizing atmosphere of the music, which used to be described by the band members themselves as "the music of the stream of consciousness".

The band line-up on these albums included: Predrag Vuković-percussion; Vojkan Rakić-guitar; Zoran Lakić-keyboards, vocals; Drasko Nikodijević-bass, vocals and Dragan Soć-drums. Slobodan Trbojević replaced Nikodijević on bass for the second album, while Goran Cvetić was responsible for lighting design on stage and special effects.

For details about the musical content I am referring you to the reviews of the respective albums. Having digitally improved sound and informative booklet "Igra svetlosti" is a precious testimony of the almost forgotten underground scene in former SFR Yugoslavia. It represents an indispensable addition to the catalog of European psychedelic progressive rock.

PERSONAL RATING: 4/5

P.A. RATING: 5/5