Croatia has long been a fertile ground for innovative music that combines the raw energy of punk with the nuanced emotion of alternative and indie rock. Error_2020, a project with members from well-established Croatian punk and alternative bands, continues this tradition with their debut EP Muzika Za Pionire. The band is made up of seasoned musicians including mastering Hrvoje Jagarinec (aka Jaga), Gordan Lončar (aka Tihi) on guitar, on vocals and bass, Davor Novosel (aka Valter) on guitar, and session drummer Silvio Centamore (aka Prle), delivers a collection of four explosive tracks that combine heartfelt lyricism with energetic musicianship. The EP is recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jaga at Monster Studio, and it showcases their ability to expertly blend alternative, punk, and indie rock into a cohesive and exciting sound. Opening the EP with a burst of distorted guitars and a rhythmic punch,
“Umoran Od Svega” sets the tone for what’s to come. The track leans heavily into a garage rock sound, blending it with the gritty essence of alternative rock. Jastreb’s raspy vocals deliver a tangible sense of weariness, reflecting the song’s theme of being tired of a monotonous, morally conflicted life. The chorus brings in singalongs that feel like a release from that exhaustion, with the music providing an uplifting contrast to the otherwise downbeat lyrics. It’s a cathartic anthem for anyone feeling worn down by the pressures of everyday life, and the rawness of the track emphasizes the honesty behind its message. The fuzzy guitars and driving rhythm section provide an infectious energy, making it impossible not to nod along. Next comes “Uvek Pionir,” a song steeped in nostalgia, but with a biting punk rock attitude that keeps it from becoming sentimental. The track touches on the experience of being a pioneer during the Josip Broz Tito regime in Yugoslavia, but instead of romanticizing the past, it captures a raw and unfiltered reflection. Musically, the track harks back to the gritty, energetic punk rock of the nineties and early noughties, with a chorus that’s catchy enough to become the next punk rock anthem. There’s a noticeable touch of rock ‘n’ roll swagger in the guitars, adding a layer of polish to the rough punk energy. The band delivers the song with a rebellious and reflective urgency, making it one of the standout tracks on the EP.
“Plastika” sees the band dipping deeper into their alternative rock influences, with a more measured pace that highlights their ability to create tension and atmosphere. The guitars are still prominent, but they’re less frenetic, opting for a more controlled, garage-rock-influenced sound. The lyrics, delivered with Jaga’s signature raspy voice, take aim at the artificiality of modern life. The title, which translates to “Plastic,” could be interpreted as a metaphor for the superficiality and emptiness that permeates contemporary culture. Despite the heavier thematic material, the song maintains a catchy and engaging quality, with the band’s musicianship shining through in the interplay between the guitars and rhythm section. It’s a track that builds slowly, but once it hits its stride, it leaves an everlasting impression. “Pesnica U Vazduh,” closes this marvelous EP. It’s a powerful and politically charged track that calls for freedom and independence in the aftermath of turbulent times. The title, which translates to “Fist in the Air,” speaks to the defiant spirit of the song. Musically, the track harkens back to the alternative rock of the Balkans during the nineties, with a blend of soaring guitars, driving rhythms, and anthemic lyrics. There’s a real sense of frustration and longing in Jaga’s vocals, as the lyrics reflect the desire to reclaim personal and political autonomy. The guitars are a standout feature here, with sharp riffs that cut through the mix and give the song a sense of urgency. It’s a fitting end to the EP, leaving listeners with a feeling of empowerment and a desire to push back against oppressive forces.
The musicianship is tight and cohesive, which is no surprise given the experience of the band members. Each track features excellent interplay between the instruments, with Tihi and Valter’s guitars often acting as a conversation, one delivering gritty riffs while the other counters with melodic lines or feedback-laden fills. The rhythm section, led by Jaga on bass and Prle on drums, provides a solid foundation that propels the songs forward without ever feeling overbearing. The production, handled by Jaga at Monster Studio, strikes a perfect balance between rawness and clarity. There’s a lo-fi charm to the recordings that complements the band’s punk rock ethos, but it’s never so rough that the details are lost. Instead, the mix allows each instrument to breathe, and the vocals, though raspy and raw, are never buried under the instrumentation. This gives the EP a live, energetic feel as if the band is performing right in front of you. Thematically, Muzika Za Pionire touches on personal, social, cultural, and political disillusionment. The lyrics are often introspective, but there’s an underlying sense of rebellion and defiance that runs through each track. The songs are deeply connected to the experience of living in a world where personal and political freedoms are constantly under threat.
Each track offers something different, from the anthemic punk rock of “Uvek Pionir” to the introspective alternative rock of “Plastika,” ensuring that the EP never feels repetitive or boring. Muzika Za Pionire is an incredible continuation of their previous works and an excellent addition to the marvelous Croatian underground scene. Published digitally by Geenger Records, the EP is available on all streaming platforms, so make sure to check it out as soon as possible.
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