Urlik – Urlik LP (Geenger Records)

Urlik is a Belgrade-based garage punk band consisting of experienced musicians who have been roaming the underground scene for decades. Their continuous passion for delivering premium punk rock sound has resulted in an outstanding debut full-length album packed with ten powerful tracks. From the initial notes and beats, Urlik embodies the true spirit of DIY ethos by infusing every note with tangible and contagious sincerity and confidence. Their music is a swirling vortex of various sentiments, reflecting the power often hearable within the raw, abrasive, misty depths of garage punk scene.

Drawing inspiration from many different styles, but mostly from the gritty landscapes of the seventies and eighties Portland, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Birmingham scenes, Urlik pays homage to the familiar sound while carving out their path forward. The Wipers, Motorhead, GBH, Poison Idea, P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S., and Concrete Worms fans will find comfort in the nearly nostalgic sound while discovering authenticity showcased through their brilliant ideas and exceptional musicianship. Urlik’s lyrics cut through the noise, tackling socio-political themes with unapologetic passion. Sung in native Serbo-Croatian, the observations resonate with a sense of urgency, reflecting the pulse of their surroundings and addressing local and global issues head-on. It’s punk rock with a purpose, a rallying cry for those who refuse to stay silent in the face of inequity.

With a range that effortlessly traverses the spectrum from melodic cleans to aggressive shouts, the vocal maneuvers bring each song to life with an intensity that’s impossible to ignore. The guitars provide the perfect backdrop with a comprehensive collection of distorted riffs, tastefully assembled chords, and infectious melodies that capture the essence of Urlik’s garage and rock ‘n’ roll roots. Each track is a contemplative sonic voyage filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. From the infectious hooks of “Ružni Grad” to the haunting melodies of “Sene,” every song exemplifies Urlik’s ability to intrigue all the senses and force you to think. Some of the highlights are “Ružni Grad,” “Mrak,” “Od Humanizma Do Mizantropije,” “Mržnja,” “Oblak,” “Urlik Očaja,” and “Sene,” but there are no skips on this material at all.

This magnificent garage rock masterpiece arrives in a hefty, high-quality sleeve adorned with marvelous artwork. Whether you are spinning it on vinyl or streaming on streaming platforms, the repetitious listening is more than guaranteed. It’s a sonic journey through the best moments of garage, punk rock, rock ‘n’ roll, and beyond. So, if you’re craving a taste of something real, something raw, something that speaks to the soul, look no further than Urlik’s debut album. Head to Geenger Records‘ web store and grab yourself a copy.