PMG Kolektiv － Rezonator
Written on 12 February 2023 by Andrijan Apostoloski
Rezonator is the debut album by Macedonian electronic band PMG Kolektiv, released in 2007 and produced by Mirko Popov, Robotek and a few other friends from the collective.
Year 2007 was a different universe for Macedonia, realising that just 6 years before, we have somehow survived a civil war, and just one year back in 2006 the controversial right-wing dictator Gruevski had just started his 10 year reign which left the country decapitated and split like never before, effects which will be felt for many years to follow.
The intro starts with a sample stating: “We are not violent people – but we are extremely dangerous”, coated in a sweet and slow-paced rhythm that just sets the tone for what’s coming next. The first track “Ovde i sega” (Here and now) is carefully crafted, with electric guitars and Mirko Popov’s vocals being introduced for the first time. I don’t know exactly if this is a covert love song according to some elements, I believe it’s just an anti-totalitarian chant that casually goes through topics such as mass hypnosis, paranoia… you know. It’s a pretty gentle song. The following song “Prijatno iznenaduvanje” (Pleasant surprise) follows similar vibes, with a more melodic and uplifting vibe and Mirko’s vocals singing for the first time.
Rezonator is my jam. The bassline, boy those were definitely different times – Macedonian music just doesn’t sound like this anymore. A very energetic beat, more on the electronic side with Mirko reciting about the values of PMG. Hollywood follows their own version of Bastion’s legendary track with the same name, but with original lyrics.
Ej actually inspired me to write this, I realized that this track might be one of the most important Macedonian tracks depicting societal problems, in a coating that’s so fucking unapologetic and pure. This is a true punk song in every essence – the lyrics making comparisons to the evil jerks in power to absurd things such as day and night, numbering the evils that come in diverse forms, from religious leaders to so-called humanitarians, terrorists and everything in-between. On top of the lyrics, the whole instrumental is one of the best productions I’ve heard from this region and my country. Timeless. At these times I’m kinda sad that I don’t have musical knowledge to express myself properly, but fuck it, that part in the chorus where the melody and Mirko’s vocals evolve is pure melting, and in these kind of recital songs is where his vocals are best and make most sense.
On ‘Nova pesna’ (New song) nothing much really happens, it’s a self-aware new song with recitals and some casual grooves in the back, but that’s the tipping point of the release.
Skopjanka (roughly translated as a girl from Skopje) is a cult gem that everyone knows, it’s catchy and sings about that local beautiful girl that likes to party, eat some ecstasy and receives a lots of attention. The way Mirko recites the song is very catchy, combined with a simple but very groovy instrumental, and that’s a timeless hit there. After that trip, we’re off with ‘Manekenki’ (Fashion models); another gem that together with ‘Skopjanka’ put PMG on the mainstream music scene and most likely introduced a lots of people to electro and other styles which previously hadn’t gotten a chance on local TV and radios. There’s nothing to say, this track doesn’t try to be serious – and makes it a beautiful balance in the albums diverse content – it’s an uplifting song where Mirko says he became a DJ because of models, stating that all other girls are jerks and how this model of his melts in his hands. Very sexy song with a catchy guitar riff and on-point lyrics. Also, one night this track stuck in my head and I made a bootleg remix in a fast-paced hard-techno style, so you can also hear that version if you like.
The following ‘Tugja prikazna’ (Someone else’s story) I think depicts what Macedonian pop should sound like, his vocals are melodic and once again catchy – a sweet love song for the radio. ‘Bura povtorno’ (Storm again) has this phat electro snare, but doesn’t go too crazy with the energy – it’s very self-contained and brings back that mellow and gentle sounds from the start of the album, with the arpeggio-bass grooving along. After hours is the outro where PMG share their love for MDMA-infused after-parties where some good disco music goes in the background, and melting insures.
Rezonator is a pure time capsule of Macedonia’s weirdest times, from a political post-punk band, powerful and groovy electro productions, to the timeless hits that got electro for the first time on the country’s mainstream media and introduced many of the youth to this genre… PMG doesn’t underestimate their audience with this, the lyrics are often bizarre when the music around is playful and uplifting, they go full-on punk, but also have few tracks which are simply there to make you smile and dance along. Rezonator definitely resonates!
