Kiselina (unsurprisingly translating to “acid”) is a striking example of Pop Mašina’s mastery in blending acid rock with psychedelic, progressive, and even folk influences, marking the band as one of the standout acts in the EX-YU rock scene. The album showcases a breadth of styles, each track adding a new layer to the group’s evolving sound. It’s a genre-defying epic that encapsulates the boldness and diversity of the EX-YU scene, with its stunning instrumentation and evocative vocals pulling the listener into a deep, immersive experience.
The record kicks off with Na Drumu Za Haos, a track that bursts forth with a wave of acid rock energy. The bass grooves deep beneath the shredding guitar work of Božinović, creating an electric, full-bodied sound that sets the stage for the rest of the album. The vocals rise and fall with a hypnotic, psychedelic cadence, pulling the listener into the swirling chaos. Popović’s drumming drives the track forward with precision, making it a perfect introduction to the album’s electric and unpredictable nature.
Following this, Pesma Srećne Noći sways in with a dreamy, almost melancholic aura, its guitar lines spiralling into a cloud of warm fuzz, while the organ adds an air of mystery. The track brings to mind the languid stillness of a late summer afternoon, where the sun dips low, casting long shadows but still holding onto its warmth. The juxtaposition of soft vocals with the heady instrumentation gives the track a velvety, sun-drenched feel, inviting listeners to close their eyes and drift into its comforting embrace.
The album then shifts gears with its first of several introspective, psychedelic folk moments. Mir offers a serene contrast with its slow, peaceful rhythm and humming vocals, evoking a sense of floating in a vast, dreamlike space. This sense of calm extends into Povretak Zvezdama, a track that sways with the ethereal quality of vast open plains. The drifting soundscapes, paired with Popović’s subtle tension-filled drumming, create an atmosphere that’s as expansive as it is hypnotic. The instrumental arrangement here reminds me of the meandering, desert-like journeys of the contemporary duo, Hermanos Gutiérrez, adding another layer of depth to the album’s sonic landscape. It’s these tracks that truly add another dimension to the album and elevate it beyond one-dimensional acid rock.
The title track Kiselina heightens the album’s psychedelic journey with its entrancing electric piano melodies, creating a layered, transcendental soundscape that weaves in and out of mind-bending instrumental solos. The track evolves in a serpentine, proggish fashion, leading us into a stunning jazz climax that throws the listener off balance before gently pulling them back into the cosmic fold. The unpredictable nature of Kiselina serves as a testament to the band’s fearless approach to genre blending, delivering a visceral listening experience that is both challenging and rewarding.
Tracks like Tražim Put and Slika Iz Proslih Dana further explore the prog themes that run throughout the album, with the former’s fuzzy warmth paired with the exotic sounds of congas, while the latter introduces flute melodies that spiral into melancholic, reflective spaces. These moments of sonic exploration demonstrate the band’s fearless experimentation with diverse genres, enhancing the album’s eclectic nature. Slika Iz Proslih Dana is particularly striking with its soft, melancholic mood, while Tražim Put is warmer and fuzzier, creating a beautiful contrast within the album’s range.
Ultimately, Kiselina is more than just an acid rock album; it’s an epic that encapsulates the boldness and diversity of the EX-YU scene. With its seamless blend of acid rock, prog, and folk, the album offers something for every listener—whether you’re drawn to the fuzz-drenched guitars, the lush soundscapes, or the tender vocals. A testament to Pop Mašina’s artistry, Kiselina remains an essential part of the EX-YU rock canon.
