Author: Aleš Podbrežnik
Artist: Črni Peter
Label: Self-released
Release: 2016
Length: 37:27
Rating: 3.5/5
Črni Peter is a trio that’s been active since 2012. It’s led by guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, composer and arranger Andrej Boštjančič – Ruda. Over the years the man has dug in on the Slovenian music scene through his work in Brencl Banda and Zmajev rep, and he also plays in the free jazz septet Oholo! The band most likely took its name from the well-known card game, inspired by Brecelj’s song of the same name from 1974, and a little less likely by the Henček ensemble’s song of the same name from 1987.
The album »Kada se rastaje« (in Slovenian: »Ko se razjaha(mo/va)«) is their studio debut, recorded in one go, first take. In the style of the live set at Radio Študent, where it was captured as part of the show called »Afterparty«. One gig, one recording. Straight up, no compromises, in the spirit of hunting for authentic rock’n’roll vibes and punchy, raw rock rudimentariness.
Ruda’s connections with Croatian musicians and his general affinity for rock’n’roll as it’s played by musicians from our southern neighbor Croatia can be traced back to the simple fact that Ruda comes from Obsotelje. It’s also clear that using Serbian and Croatian in the meter of the verses gets you melodic vocal expression more easily, which means more singability, since both languages are already colloquially »softer« and more melodic than Slovenian. So it’s no surprise that nine of the ten songs on »Kada se rastaje« are sung in Serbo-Croatian and only one in Slovenian. He simply felt he could express himself more easily in Serbo-Croatian. Through all of this, the retro, Yugo-nostalgic effect that rubs off on any listener isn’t really that prominent, because Črni Peter are simply a distinctive enough musical story of three »self-made mavericks«, so musical comparisons are a thankless job here. As far as Slovenia goes, you could put the trio among similar bands, but with a clear streak of self-expressive art disjunction. If I throw in, say, Vasko Atanasovski Trio on one side and Robert Jukić’s project Kramp on the other. Somewhere in that neighborhood, that groove. But with their own songwriting stamp and charisma.
Beyond the free jazz and other musical challenges of a hugely creative and engaged musician like Andrej Boštjančič – Ruda, Črni Peter are first and foremost a story about garage-stripped rock’n’roll, with clearly audible notes of punk rock and blues. The sound is, as you’d expect, ragged, direct, garage-packed, and therefore wonderfully likable, lively, fat and rumbling. All thanks to the album’s well-filled sonic landscape. That’s delivered by the organic sound of the guitar phrases and the support of voluminous bass lines, backed by the heavy stomp of untamed, energetic drumming. Ruda slots guitar ornaments and solos into all of it very effectively, too.
All this lovable rock’n’roll »creaking« is further magnified by Ruda’s vocal approach. It can be throaty and seasoned, which pairs great with the garage rock’n’roll baked with an alternative punk touch on one side and blues on the other. In some songs the vocal sounds »stoned and absent«, disillusioned, even alienated, which boosts the alternative rock makeup.
In short. Even though the band isn’t inventing anything new, it wins you over with its directness, genuine heart and raw attitude. In tune with the geographic roots of the musicians. That’s why »Kada se rastaje« sounds very homey, well known and tried and true. You’ll find your way into it fast. On this album the band shows not just punch in terms of songwriting. The songs also work superbly in the performance department, since the album is played in an incredibly coherent spirit, the kind the trio format breeds (you can feel the three of them clicking together). The »groove« will quickly pull you into the very core of the formation »Črni Peter«. The band has successfully taken its first steps with this debut, and with this album it clearly underlines that you absolutely have to catch them at gigs. Live, that is. With a shot straight »into the vein«.
Črni Peter – Ja nikada ne grešim (official video):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCINzpd5L2o
Lineup
Boštjan Andrejčič – Ruda – vocals, guitar
Enej Mausar – bass guitar, backing vocals
Uroš Srpčič – drums
Production
Sam Pavlica – Linč
Tracklist
1. Onaj što traži
2. Kada se rastaje
3. Niko ne veruje (Vse se srušilo)
4. Ko bila sva
5. Ti i ja
6. Dvoje predivnih ljudi
7. Ljubav bez kraja
8. Rokenrol
9. Prošlost
10. Ja nikada ne grešim
