BORGHESIA – RUGGED CITY / OGOLELO MESTO LP 180g / clear vinyl

Opis

Borghesia is a Slovenian multimedia / electronic / rock group, created in 1982. The band was formed by members of underground theatre group called FV-112/15 who also ran one of the first alternative clubs in Eastern Europe called FV Klub.
Borghesia created its aesthetics using the imagery of what was prohibited, tabooed and repressed. Their sound is often compared to that of other groups in the period such as Nitzer Ebb and Front 242, whom many cite as the chief instigators of Electronic Body Music.
The band was a product of the 80s punk/new wave movement in what was then Yugoslavia. The punk scene has left strong marks on their overall image, not only in ideology but also in their iconography. However, they were among the first local alternative musicians who started using electronic instruments, mainly under the influence of pioneers of electronic music such as Kraftwerk, D.A.F and Cabaret Voltaire.
Their first recordings were released only locally on cassette tapes – ‘Borghesia’ in 1983 and ‘Clones’ in 1984. 1985 saw the release of their first album ‘Love Is Colder Than Death’ on their own label ‘FV’ which was quickly followed by video release called ‘So Young’ – collecting seven video-clips from their early years – on VHS format.
Video was always an important channel of Borghesia’s creativity. The early videos were provocative and visually gripping. References to cult films and pop culture were used, as was imagery from gay/alternative underground. In 1989 they released another videotape called ‘Triumph of the Will’. Both VHS tapes are now collector’s items
Their sound has quickly evolved, and so did the technical quality of both their video and audio work. In 1986 they released a mini LP ‘Their Laws, Our Lives’, featuring lead track ‘133’, their reaction against the ‘freedom of speech’ law which was still in force in what was then still Yugoslavia. This record, as well as their underground ‘hit’ No Hope No Fear brought them the contract with important Belgian label PIAS, who released their first mini LP a year later and a full album ‘Escorts and Models’ in 1988. The records were released in the US by WAX TRAX, and several tracks and videos have been licensed for worldwide release. The band has played around Europe extensively, touring with Nitzer Ebb and labelmates Cassandra Complex as well as other EBM bands from the period. They were extremely well received by important music media of the time.
The album ‘Rugged City/Ogolelo Mesto’ has been originally released in 1988, only in Yugoslavia. It’s a compilation of best tracks from the ‘No Hope No Fear’ mini LP and ‘Escorts and Models’ LP, released by PIAS. The band went on to record 6 more albums and is still active.

BORGHESIA – SELECTED PRESS QUOTES

Borghesia implant electrodes into your temples and bark out grim Orwellian prophecy. (NME, UK)

This ‘short record about killing’ isn’t as danceable as Borghesia’s previous efforts – the dance element is transformed into ‘dance macabre’. (DEMOKRACIJA, Yugoslavia)

At the same time convulsive and compulsive, ‘Resistance’ shows the way good dance music should be going. Pumping beat and iron fist power. An overall assault on the aural senses. (EVENING STANDARD, UK)

Borghesia exist inside their own dichotomy: between self-imposed rigidities and found freedoms. Ideologies are out of the window. (MELODY MAKER, UK)

Borghesia’s current position is a few classes above most of their counterparts in the genre. They have probably made the best record for the year of decision’. I think this is quite enough. (POLET, Yugoslavia)

Frankly, leaving a Borghesia gig in a fit state is quite probably unheard of. Tonight…is a celebration of a crippled thunder. (SOUNDS, UK)

The whole idea of these Slovenians rumbling through town on their motorbikes, eating in medieval restaurants and making naughty videos with government funds is deeply satisfying. (MELODY MAKER, UK)

Borghesia have always been more effective than their saber rattling compatriots in Western Europe, and infinitely more so than their American counterparts, especially Ministry. (VINYL PROPAGANDA, USA)

This album is a product of the Eighties with a thought of the Nineties. START (Yugoslavia)

The Yugoslavian act manages to set an interesting tone throughout and should carve a niche fro themselves alongside other temperamental techno outfits as Front 242 and Skinny Puppy, and that ain’t bad company at all. (ROCKPOOL, USA)