Many times the etymology of a word shows us its journey through time and history.
This is also the case with the geographical name of south-eastern Europe, the Balkans.
The term means rutty and wooded mountain.
In the 7,000 years of chronicle history, what happened to it has often changed the course of history.
As a result, its huge history has left a unique musical imprint.
At the same time making the Balkans, as one of the most inexhaustible musical deposits.
It took Kusturica’s films, along with Bregovic’s musical score, to bring this musical treasure to the forefront.
Probably unknown to the rest of the western world and discreetly, perhaps deliberately, disdained.
In recent years, through the simplicity of punk music, it has begun to conquer the rest of Europe.
Several bands from the Aimos Peninsula began to address Western music lovers with temerity and English lyrics.
BAiLdSA
It is not certain if the brothers Thanos and Giannis Gountanos had this in mind when they started the band in 2008.
In essence, the discussions and visions began a year earlier, to be embodied in 2008 in BAiLdSA.
The band “was created out of the need to search for music on the trails of the Balkan and Eastern melodies in combination with other” western “musical genres we played,” they reveal.
I fainted, I got angry, I got sick and tired of all …
Their name, BAiLDSA means I fainted, I got angry, I got sick and tired of all, etc., I’m generally at a tipping point.
The root of the word is Turkish but it has a Balkan character and is recognizable everywhere.
They may want to do that. A parallel recognition of both themselves and the wider music of the Balkans. Accompanied by the petulance (snit) of a Punk Rock band.
With elements from ska, punk, reggae, rap, electro, indie, psychedelic rock, and stoner, they target many audiences and at the same time create their own Balkan-gypsy sound.
The United States of Balkans
Their first album entitled “The United States of Balkans” was released in 2011 and received very good reviews from the public and media.
Some of its songs have marked them, while the homonymous “Baildsa” has now become a closing slogan at their concerts.
However, their start was not as impressive as their course so far, although in a very “family” environment:
“The first live was in August 2008 at the Mushroom Festival in Grevena. Back then we were a more acoustic band, like a street band.
Of course, it was a hit since we felt at home with so many friends and acquaintances around.
Seeing the video now, we start to laugh, of course; there was a nice spontaneity, let’s say,” they told us in a short discussion.
zVaRna
The second album “zVaRna” (2014) raised BAiLDSA to a higher level in composition, but also in sound identity.
A much more mature side of the band appeared, accompanied by solid alternative punk sound.
“The album was recorded proportionally, managing to capture the raw energy of live performances, creating a distinctive soundtrack,” the CV wrote on their website.
It is a band that loves live performances, always keeping the Balkan musical wealth in their hands.
The audience’s response to the polychromy of their sounds is more than enthusiastic.
This is the reason for their participation in big festivals, but also their appearances on stage together with big names.
WarZone
In the third album “WarZone” (2018) the band makes a huge leap, expanding its sound universe with post-punk and stoner elements.
“Creating a new soundtrack, modern and unique at the same time, acrobatic between its roots and the endless internal exploration“, they continue in their CV.
It’s really a mature album, a cornerstone of the Balkan Rock scene.
With this, the musical events of our country look at each other, but without forgetting the sounds of the Balkans.
A material that can now establish them in countries that do not have childhood memories of this music.
Their musical wealth is full of rage, for the daily life that most of us live. Just like in a punk ideology/culture.
“In collaboration with the animal kingdom, avoiding pork chops, we move at full speed.
Together with bald skaters, punk reggae, Balkan bears, and gypsy whales, we are having a good time! Grao…”, they end up describing themselves.
The road is open and the growing audience is waiting for them …