KOIKOI is a fresh name from the vibrant and ever-evolving Belgrade (Serbia) music scene that first made the rounds in the 2019 with the song on compilation by Hali Gali, a platform that brings together new generations of musicians and audience, unencumbered by genres and prejudices. The band consists of Marko Grabež, Emilija Đorđević, Ivana Miljković and Ivan Pavlović Gizmo – a bunch of creatives from various backgrounds with a simple common goal of writing exceptional indie rock / alternative pop that fills the gap between the intimacy of the underground and mainstream glamour, a space on the Balkan music scene that’s been unoccupied for far too long. In early 2021 they joined Moonlee Records family, where they released critically acclaimed debut album ‘Pozivi u stranu’.
KOIKOI‘s ear-catching musical expression exists at the intersection between the regional alternative music heritage and contemporary Western trends. Their debut album showcases the most exciting form of unorthodox pop, which can be simultaneously soft as silk and playfully loud, radio friendly and in-yer-face, but always marked by the hypnotic Balkan melos, an intertwining of ecstasy and nostalgia. Enchanting female-male harmonies with a distinctive appeal will remind you either of The XX or regional folk practices. There are several loose references – Serbian alt rock in the tradition of Darkwood Dub and Petrol, electro-rock à la Chromatics, indie rock in the mould of DIIV, dream pop hypnagogia and modern ethno psychedelia – but through regional perspective their debut album ‘Pozivi u stranu’ is one of a kind.
KOIKOI is a gem for all those who know that sophisticated indie pop is the new punk.
Press quotes:
»KOIKOI: Wihout any doubt, regional album of the year.« (Muzika.hr)
»Best new name on Belgrade music scene.« (Ravnododna)
»The debut album of the Belgrade rock band KOIKOI creates its own world and occasionally reaches musical heights that we did not have in our language before.« (Dragan Ambrožić / Nova.rs)
»They have skillfully combined heavy industrial riffs with electropop hooks, krautrock with angry guitars and above all, they’ve added parts of traditional Serbian music…. Those unconventional arrangements and thirst for experimentation are their great strength.« (beehype)
»The quartet from Belgrade delivered an album full of surprises, and the biggest one, in eight minutes of the title song… There is enough arguments to say that nothing more important has been packed in the eight minutes of the regional rock in the last couple of years.« (Pobjeda)
»KOIKOI’s palette is a satisfyingly rich one, the composition of this entire record, its every line and shade, making for a singular robust piece. More, please, and then more again.« (Stereo Members Magazine)
»An explosion of pure energy, it is like the band have cherry-picked the biggest, most vibrant moments from rock and pop and combined them into a danceable juggernaut of sound. The fact that this mess worked brilliantly is testament to how good they are as musicians.« (Under The Radar)
»KOIKOI’s energetic show was generous and wildly enthusiastic, a perfect festival show in fact…. Perfect fun.« (Louder Than War)
»Another exceptional party band in a similar vein to Foals are Belgrade art rockers, KOIKOI. I don’t speak a single word of Serbian, but I understand the passion in everything singer/guitarist Marko Grabež cries aloud.« (FMS)
#1 Best album of 2021 – Serbia (beehype)
Top 50 albums of 2021 – worldwide (BeforeAfter)
#9 Best album of 2021 – ex-YU region (Ravnododna)
#8 Best album of 2021 – ex-YU region (Muzika.hr)
#3 Best album of 2021 – ex-YU region (xxzmagazin)
KOIKOI are among IMPALA’s ‘100 Artist To Watch’ 2022
KOIKOI are:
Marko Grabež – guitar, vocals
Ivana Miljković – synth, vocals
Emilija Đorđević – bass guitar, vocals
Ivan Pavlović Gizmo – drums, samples
Links: Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp / YouTube
Music: Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Deezer / Tidal
Video:
Krinolina: https://youtu.be/7Ab3PoQBwq8
Ogledalo je zrcalo: https://youtu.be/KFISIFp3wnE
Misisipi: https://youtu.be/TR9lkxQWVas
Agelast (live): https://youtu.be/bhuB5aCl1ts
Kvaka 22 (live): https://youtu.be/cjCxZMzl8ao
