No Smoking's debut as a "world" band reintroduces filmmaker Emir
Kusturica -- who had a brief stint as the bass player of Zabranjeno
Pusenje (Yugoslavian for No Smoking) in the mid-'80s -- to the group.
Now one of the band's guitarists, he contributes sparingly toward
songwriting and arranging. This is still the band of lead singer Dr.
Nelle Karajlic, whose acerbic vocals and commanding presence dictate the
group's course. But colorful instruments like balalaika, tuba,
accordion, trumpet, and accordion contribute significantly as well. The
term "Unza Unza" describes the hybrid of music found on this record. The
Balkans are a centrally located region surrounded by Turkish, European
gypsy, Greek, Russian, Middle Eastern, and Italian music. German and
Spanish music is also welcome into this interwoven musical fabric that
cites the local music of Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Albania, Bosnia, and
Bulgaria as its foundation. The '70s punk sound that was No Smoking's
initial influence is all but abandoned here, although Karajlic still
retains some of his snarling and loathsome attitude. Combine that with
the eclecticism of groups like Reptile Palace Orchestra and Brave Combo
and the offbeat tendencies of mid-'80s Tom Waits, and perhaps a rough
portrait of this group can be painted. This is an incredibly unique
album that is essential listening for fans of alternative world music.
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