If you're idea of European music is opera or Eurovision, you should take a look at some of these birds old and new.
The Car is on Fire (Poland)
Named for the beginning of God Speed You Black Emperor's album F#A#?, the Car is on Fire are actually more pop orientated than their namesake. The first album by this Polish trio was a composite of indie rock staples, jangly guitars, fuzz and bratty vocals. It was their second album, Lake and Flames, which extended their range. They flirted with bossa nova, disco and beats. They came across like a souped-up Stereolab. The latest album, Ombarrops!, produced by John McIntire of Tortoise and the Sea and Cake, continues to broaden their sound adding vibraphones, moogs and beats to their guitar, bass drums line-up. The sound might not be a million miles away from other indie bands, but their attitude is refreshingly cheeky and irreverent.
The Car is on Fire - Ombarrops
Please the Trees (Czech Republic)
Much more brooding and atmospheric are Please the Trees from the Czech Republic. Part of the so-called Prague scene, Please the Trees could be the band to win greater appeal. Their only release, Lion Prayer, is full of sweeping sounds, shimmering guitars, crashing cymbals, racing drum lines and lead singer Vac Havelka emotes like a gravelly Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, though the band is more reminiscent of Echo and the Bunnymen. The album exudes ambition. Given the chance these guys could actually pull it off. The band are set to release a follow up this year.
Please the Trees - I'm Afraid of You
The Bambi Molesters (Croatia)
Despite the name, the Bambi Molesters are not hard core grind metal band. This Croatian group hearkens back to the vintage surf sounds of the early sixties. Even the album covers with the monochrome shots evoke the age. If you're knowledge of surf music is limited to Dick Dale, these guys are worth checking out. Restrained and atmospheric, they bring a depth to the style so it's more than novelty soundtrack music. They have also attracted the attention of Peter Buck from REM and teamed up with Chris Eckman of Walkabouts to record an album as the Strange. Most of all, Lada Furlan Zaborac one of the sexiest bass players ever. A long waited new album is expected this year.
The Bambi Molesters- Theme from Slaying Beauty
Felix Lajko
Also instrumental, but in a different vein, is Felix Lajko. From neighbouring Serbia, Lajko is of Hungarian descent and his music reflects the melting pot he is a part. Drawing on Romany songs, classical music as well as European and American jazz, Lajko spins out dynamic sounds with little more than his violin. His last release Remény (Hope) was full blooded dance music. His latest, A bokorból (From the Bushes). is sparser, reminiscent of early blues records in its simplicity but more like a symphony in the range of ideas and emotions.
Felix Lajko - A bokorból
i think we can all agree that the world is a richer place, now that there's a band called 'the bambi molesters' in it.