Rush to Relax’s second album, Misli, is a glamorous journey through jangly indie rock, dream pop, and post-punk that shimmers with a warm yet melancholic glow. Created by Damjan Manevski, a Macedonian artist based in Ljubljana, this record is more than a collection of songs, it’s a soundscape that marries the nostalgia of the Balkans with the lo-fi sincerity of DIY indie rock. Every track breathes with a sense of place, tradition, and craftsmanship, making it a timeless yet refreshing record. The album opens with a striking atmosphere that draws listeners in through Damjan’s effortlessly cool vocal style, confident and expressive without ever overshadowing the music. His voice has an understated warmth, gently carrying each melody forward with an intimate and inviting feel. The vocals throughout Misli are surrounded by carefully layered backing harmonies that add richness and depth, almost like an invisible chorus underscoring the album’s themes of memory and reflection. The result is a personal yet expansive vocal performance, like a quiet conversation with a friend that resonates on a deeper level.
One of the album’s standout qualities is the incredible guitar work. Damjan’s guitar sound is both jangly and reverby, creating a sense of space that feels infinite yet comforting. His semi-distorted chord progressions and riffs evoke the golden era of 80s and 90s indie, while simultaneously capturing the spirit of contemporary underground scenes. Each riff is catchy and unforgettable, playing off one another to create an immersive, almost hypnotic effect. The guitars serve as the backbone of Misli, carrying melodies that grab you by the collar and refuse to let go long after this album ends. Beneath the shimmering guitars, the basslines add depth and drive to each track. They’re intricate and melodic, perfectly complementing the jangly guitar lines while grounding the songs in a steady rhythm. The bass doesn’t simply follow the lead, it carves its own path, creating a counter-melody that gives the music a fuller, richer sound. This interplay between guitar and bass makes the album so engaging, giving each song a sense of forward motion without sacrificing its dreamy, reflective quality.
The drumming is another high point, transforming each song into a kinetic experience. Vasja Onič’s drumming is dynamic, tastefully placed, and full of character, adding a unique rhythm to the album that propels the songs forward. From laid-back, rolling beats to more punchy, upbeat rhythms, the drums never miss a beat in setting the mood. The drum work is fluid and adaptable, effortlessly bridging the transitions between indie, dream pop, and post-punk. It’s clear that the drumming isn’t just a backdrop but an integral part of the album’s charm, guiding each song with subtle accents and sharp fills that make Misli feel alive. The collaborative nature of this record adds to its appeal, with contributions from various musicians enriching the sound. Despite Damjan taking on much of the instrumentation himself, his live band members and guests bring a unique layer of warmth and diversity to the album. The presence of his father, Zoran Manevski, in a folk-inspired moment, is especially affecting, connecting the album to the Macedonian musical tradition that clearly informs Damjan’s sound. These guest appearances add a personal touch, underscoring the album’s theme of familial and cultural connection.
Despite the bright, upbeat feel of many songs, Misli carries an undercurrent of Macedonian melancholia that adds a sense of depth and introspection. This blend of optimism and sadness creates a bittersweet mood that makes the album feel honest and real. The dreamy quality of the sound, paired with lyrics in Damjan’s native Macedonian language, gives the record an evocative, almost cinematic quality as if each song is a window into a series of quiet, intimate moments. There’s a universal quality to this sense of nostalgia that transcends language, inviting listeners from any background to lose themselves in the album’s world. Misli retains the warm, home-recording feel of Rush to Relax’s debut, yet it also shows growth in production quality. Recorded in the band’s practice space, the album has a DIY authenticity that complements its introspective nature, but this time around, everything feels more polished and refined. Each instrument sits comfortably in the mix, creating a balanced sound that highlights the strength of Damjan’s arrangements. The reverb-laden guitars, resonant bass, and crisp drums come together in a way that feels cohesive yet spacious, drawing the listener deeper into the music with each track.
Throughout the album, Damjan’s songwriting showcases his development as an artist, building on his previous work while exploring new territories. The album is driven by a lyrical curiosity and introspection that feels deeply personal and universally relatable. The album’s title, Misli, which translates to “Thoughts,” perfectly encapsulates the reflective nature of these songs. While each song stands as a unique expression, together they form a narrative about searching, longing, and belonging, a journey that resonates with anyone who has grappled with questions of identity and home. There’s a timeless quality to Misli that makes it more than just a snapshot of contemporary indie rock. It feels connected to a broader tradition, drawing from the Macedonian music heritage while finding a place within the global indie scene. The balance between jangly, hook-laden melodies and introspective lyrics recalls classic 80s and 90s indie bands while maintaining a fresh, modern edge. It’s the kind of album that rewards repeat listening, with each play revealing new textures, harmonies, and subtle moments that may have gone unnoticed at first.
Misli is an album that feels like a long walk through familiar streets with a new perspective. Rush To Relax has created a body of work that captures the beauty of simple melodies, raw emotion, and a sincere love for the craft of songwriting. Misli is a perfect pick for anyone with a profound love for indie rock, dream pop, and post-punk, a gentle reminder of the power of music to connect, comfort, and transport. Damjan Manevski has achieved something remarkable here, crafting an album that resonates on a personal level while offering a glimpse into the heart of Macedonian music and the broader human experience. Head to Pop Depresija‘s website for more information about ordering this indie gem.
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