FSB.

'FSB.' is the self-titled eighth studio album (and eventually final one) from what is considered the first Bulgarian exponent of the progressive rock genre. This is also the first album released by the formation since 1987 as well as the first one recorded as a trio since their debut, with the passing of long-time drummer Petar Slavov. Alongside forming members Rumen Boyadzhiev and Konstantin Tsekov, virtually the backbone of this band, we also have experienced guitar player Ivan Lechev, a well-known musician of the Bulgarian rock scene. Surprisingly or not, this album does carry a lot of the recognizable atmosphere of the band's acclaimed albums from the 80s, but it also offers a much more modern and accessible sound, featuring the typical FSB crossover of styles, with the band touching upon hard rock, AOR, 80s prog as well as a bit of pop, and knowing how much they have been influenced by Toto, Gino Vannelli, and '90125', one can immediately understand where the sound of this album comes from.

'FSB.' is indeed the most eclectic and intricate offering by this band of veterans, who perform several songs strongly reminiscent of their 80s albums, tangled up with a couple of really enjoyable alt-rock-tinted anthems, like the opening track 'Catch', a powerful, driven sound, or 'Confession' and 'Religion', which once again display this classic rock attitude. The poppier side of the band comes through in spades on 'Take Nothing', 'Away', 'Lines', 'Have No', or 'Probably', all featuring that warm synth-driven sound of retro art rock. It is important to mention that this album also bolsters a few really fine guitar solos and in general serves as a [mature] celebration of the band's career, having a bit of everything that has made FSB recognizable.