Kalemegdan Disk - ROCK FROM EASTERN EUROPE

Pavian Records Release Information

The legendary Fermáta present their thirteenth studio album entitled “Backstage”. The initial impulse for the creation of the new album came from the discovery of three dozen archival recordings of stage and film music, which the songwriting duo and founders of the band Fermáta – guitarist Fero Griglák and keyboardist Tomáš Berka – composed for the largest Slovakian theaters and television in addition to creating albums and performing concerts. In the initial stage of the preparation, however, it became apparent that the completely different musical character of the recordings did not provide the desired rock potential. Seven completely new compositions were ultimately created for the new album.

Fero Griglák was the main author of “Backstage”, while his long-time colleague and bandmate Tomáš Berka contributed three songs, which they completed together. This synergy, signature style, and exceptional compositional combination is once again clearly evident on the new album. It is no coincidence that Fermáta’s classic albums are still considered gems of Czechoslovakian and Slovakian rock, having stood the test of time. “Backstage” refers to the best of the band’s former productions. Throughout the album, motifs faithful to the band’s classic works such as “Huascaran” (Huascaran, 1977) and “Dunajská legenda” (The Danube Legend, 1980) can be heard, while at the same time it continuously follows on from the previous album “Blumental Blues” (2019) with its current sound, interpretation and concept.

Similar to “Blumental Blues”, “Backstage” is inspired by Tomáš Berka’s book “Blumental Blues”, in which he focuses on stories and memories from the world of music, film, theater and art, in which he was active during his rich life. The songs remain faithful to their artistic origins, even in their titles – “Loop Ride”, “Spring Theme”, “Watercolor” and “Dressing Room at the End of the Hall”. The unique album cover was created by the designer, graphic artist and photographer Vlado Holina.

Tracklist

1. Backstage 4:35
2. Dressing Room at the End of the Hall / Šatňa na konci chodby 5:03
3. Spring Theme / Jarná téma 2:39
4. All Good on My End! / U mňa dobrá! 3:22
5. Long Lens / Dlhé sklo 4:53
6. Watercolor / Akvarel 4:24
7. Loop Ride / Kruhová jazda 5:46