For about point zero-six-five seconds, this here show toyed with the idea of presenting a Sarajevo band called The Nervous Postman. But seeing as that band is heavy on the very same thing the show is railing against, we’ll hop over to the Herzegovina part of the country, home to a metal band called Brainswitch.
Technically, Brainswitch are a post-metal band. For the curious minds among us, post-metal is usually defined as a heavier version of post rock, leaning heavily on driving guitars and throaty vocals, but still keeping a relatively moderate tempo. Less screaming, more atmosphere, apparently.
Brainswitch
Brainswitch are a five-member outfit from Mostar, one of the oldest and most iconic cities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Known around the world for their Ottoman-era bridge and its tragic fate and resurrection, the city is also home to contemporary sounds that could be placed in Berlin or New York, just as well.
Brainswitch are Adam Krešić as vocalist, Goran Tiro on guitar and samples, Adnan Karadža on guitar, Višeslav Lučić as bass guitarist and drummer Zlatko Drljević.
Brainswitch released their debut album in 2015, to an overwhelmingly positive critical response. A combination of mystic soundscapes, grunge elements and stoner rock segments turned out to be the magic sauce needed to make the band member’s music abilities really shine.
The band released their second album in early 2020. Titled Sun Worship Kingdom, it explored the search for utopia in a dystopian environment, Bosnia-Herzegovina is often too quick to provide. And just to reiterate the point, only days after the album release, the covid plague struck.
Brainswitch admit to having a love-hate relationship with their immediate environment. They often feel frustrated but they would not leave, if possible. This duality, of being both vivid and desolate at the same time is the central theme of their music. But rather than despairing at the never-ending circle, they would rather have a philosopher come to Mostar and take a closer look.
And that's all the time we have for today. Check out Brainswitch on YouTube, Spotify and wherever you get your music from, and Balkan Express will be back next week.