Discoveries, CD Review >>
Darko Rundek is from Eastern Europe, went to Paris, and produced a unique blend of ambient poetry and Balkan-influenced vocals in RUKE.
Some songs are more poetry set to a minimum of background music; others have more of a music base, and several are almost tango-influenced pieces.
Rundek's influences are international, perhaps due to his Parisian associations, which infuses a touch of jazz into ethnic works - even echoes of Tom Waits, from time to time.
Darko Rundek's rhythmic concepts are light rather than hard-driving; there are large pieces of music which have a lot of space - not too many notes crammed in, and these spaces are used to lend dramatic effect.
Parts of his music lead you to forget its Eastern European roots - but before you get too far away, they return - mixed in with more Western influences.
Recommended for the discriminating listener with an adventurous mind, and for Yugoslavian expatriates (though RUKE is true to no single style, be forewarned).
03/20/05 >> go there