Električni Orgazam

Električni Orgazam
Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	January 13, 1980; 46 years ago in Belgrade, Serbia
Founder	Srđan Gojković "Gile", Ljubomir Jovanović "Jovec", Ljubomir Đukić
Headquarters	Belgrade, Serbia
Products	Music albums, live performances

Električni Orgazam () is a rock ensemble originating from Belgrade, Serbia. Starting with a fusion of new wave, punk rock, and post-punk elements, the group gradually adopted a more mainstream rock style, ultimately establishing themselves as a prominent figure in the former Yugoslav rock landscape.

New wave period (1980–1983)

The hard rock outfit Hipnotisano Pile, formed in 1979, featured Srđan Gojković "Gile" on drums, Ljubomir Jovanović "Jovec" handling guitar duties, Bojan Banović as vocalist, Vladan Stepanović on guitar, and "Džo" Otašević playing keyboards. In January 1980, Gojković, Jovanović, and organist Ljubomir Đukić conceived a punk-oriented project with Gojković taking on guitar and vocal roles, while Jovanović switched to drums. The name Električni Orgazam was proposed by Gojković. The band officially came together on 13 January 1980 with the addition of guitarist Goran Sinadinović and bassist Marina Vulić.

They arranged rehearsal sessions and secured their debut performance at the Studentski kulturni centar (SKC). By June 1980, they supported Hipnotisano Pile live; however, due to poor audience reception, Hipnotisano Pile disbanded shortly after. Sinadinović left Električni Orgazam to create Petar i Zli Vuci; Jovanović returned to guitar while drummer Goran Čavajda "Čavke" joined the lineup.

Their initial gigs included local parties and an appearance at Festival Omladina, where their dynamic stage act resulted in disqualification. In 1981, they contributed "Krokodili dolaze," "Zlatni papagaj," and "Vi" to the influential Paket aranžman compilation alongside Idoli and Šarlo Akrobata. This exposure led Jugoton to sign them despite earlier hesitations over their originality and lyrical content.

Their eponymous debut album, produced by Ivan Stančić "Piko," featured tracks such as "Nebo," "Konobar," and "I've Got a Feeling." Drummer Čavajda was temporarily replaced by Branko Kuštrin "Mango" during his military service. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike, garnering acclaim from publications like NME and securing distribution through Rough Trade Records in the UK. Following its release, Marina Vulić exited the band and was succeeded by bassist Jovan Jovanović "Grof," with Čavajda resuming his role on drums.

Towards the end of 1981, facilitated by Polish student Grzegorz Brzozowicz's connections, Električni Orgazam toured Poland along with other bands from the Paket aranžman project. Their Warsaw concert was recorded and issued as the limited Warszawa '81 EP, recognized as Yugoslavia's first official bootleg release. Despite technical difficulties and an audience unaccustomed to punk performances, the recording captured their raw live energy.

Their sophomore album Lišće prekriva Lisabon, recorded at Ljubljana’s Tivoli Studio with co-producer Toni Jurij, contained seventeen tracks that reflected psychedelic rock influences inspired by LSD experiences during songwriting. This album represented a shift in style. Notable moments include shared vocals on "Afrika" and a rendition of The Doors' Alabama Song. The lyrics explored themes of urban isolation in songs like "Leptir" and "Podstanar." Trumpet contributions from Petar Ugrin enriched several tracks.

In 1983, Gojković collaborated with Stančić to form Hijene and recorded WooDoo za početnike, which remained unreleased due to record label complications but served as inspiration for Električni Orgazam’s fifth album Distorzija. Additionally, they released a cover album titled Les Chansones Populaires, co-produced by Gojković, Đukić, Jurij, and Stančić—who took over drumming duties while Čavajda was imprisoned—featuring interpretations of songs by David Bowie, T.Rex, The Doors, and Little Eva. Their ensuing tour included Branko Kuštrin “Mango” on drums.

Lineup challenges, commercial breakthrough, and dissolution (1984–1989)

During 1984, as the group was gearing up to record their fourth studio release, they encountered changes in personnel: drummer Čavajda rejoined the band, while guitarist Jovanović left. Their album Kako bubanj kaže (translated as As The Drum Decides) incorporated contributions from guest artists such as Ivan Pajević on guitar and Piko Stančić on drums. The musical style drew inspiration from the early 1970s Rolling Stones, an influence also reflected in the album’s cover design. Vocal duties were split between Gojković and Đukić. The song "Fras u šupi" ("Seizure In The Shed") formed part of a multimedia trilogy created alongside writer David Albahari and poet Miloš Komadina. Most compositions were penned by Gojković, with the exception of "Pričam o tebi" ("I Am Talking About You"), written by Čavajda.

The album did not achieve significant commercial success, leading to Đukić’s departure to New York. Confronted with a personnel crisis, the band briefly incorporated Ivan Pajević and Nikola Čuturilo, formerly of Siluete, before establishing a stable lineup by adding guitarist Branislav Petrović "Banana," who previously played with Bezobrazno Zeleno and Pasta ZZ. In 1986, bassist Jovanović left the music industry; he was replaced by Zoran Radomirović "Švaba," an ex-member of Katarina II and Du-Du-A. Their return was marked by the album Distorzija, which featured straightforward rock tunes and popular tracks such as "Debela devojka" ("Fat Girl"), "Ja sam težak kao konj" ("I Am Heavy As A Horse"), alongside a rendition of Richard Berry’s "Lui Lui." The production was handled by Gojković and Stančić, and the album artwork was crafted by painter Radovan Hiršl.

The live recording Braćo i sestre (Brothers And Sisters), captured in October 1986 at Zagreb’s Kulušić club, included guest vocals from Ljubomir Đukić and introduced a new track titled "Bejbe, ti nisi tu," which is a cover version of the Rolling Stones’ "Out of Time." Continuing their established sound, the band released Letim, sanjam, dišem (Flying, Dreaming, Breathing) in 1988, featuring hits like "Igra rock 'n' roll cela Jugoslavija" ("The Whole Yugoslavia Is Dancing To Rock And Roll"). Production credits went to Gojković, Stančić, and Theodore Yanni. The album included guest performances from Nebojša Antonijević "Anton" of Partibrejkers on guitar and keyboardist Saša Lokner from Bajaga i Instruktori.

That summer, they supported the release with a concert at Tašmajdan Stadium. Later in 1988, they issued a greatest hits collection titled Najbolje pesme 1980-1988 (The Best Songs 1980–1988) before ultimately disbanding. Following the breakup, Radomirović and Petrović joined Trans. Gojković embarked on a solo path with his 1989 debut Evo sada vidiš da može, contributed music to the soundtracks of Kako je propao rokenrol and Crni bombarder, and collaborated with Vlada Divljan on children’s albums Rokenrol za decu and Rokenrol bukvar. Alongside Stančić and Radomirović, he also released Lutka koja kaže ne. Čavajda emigrated to Australia in 1988 but returned in 1991 to participate in the Lutka koja kaže ne tour with Gojković and Radomirović.

Reformation and Čavajda's Exit (1991–1994)

Električni Orgazam, now restructured, introduced the compilation Seks, droga, nasilje i strah / Balkan Horror Rock, which combined fresh studio recordings such as "Mala lopta metalna" by Čavajda and Gojković with live performances captured in Novi Sad. Its successor, the live-only cassette Balkan Horror Rock II, featured additional tracks from Novi Sad as well as selections from a B92 anniversary concert. Both covers were crafted by Linda Čavajda.

In 1992, Čavajda, Gojković, Radomirović, and other musicians established the anti-war collective Rimtutituki, releasing the single "Slušaj 'vamo" through Radio B92. The following year, Električni Orgazam shared the stage with Ekatarina Velika and Partibrejkers during shows in Prague and Berlin under the banner Ko to tamo pjeva. They were among the pioneering Serbian groups to perform in Ljubljana after Slovenia's independence and maintained a steady touring presence in Macedonia.

The double album Zašto da ne! merged elements from their earlier work with contemporary 1990s influences. This lineup featured guitarist Dejan Radisavljević "Role", keyboardist Zoran Zagorčić, and a second drummer, Srđan Todorović. Guest contributors included Zoran Kostić "Cane", politician Nenad Čanak on flute, and saxophonist Neša Petrović, who also co-wrote the acoustic parts and the track "Dajem ljubav". The album’s artwork was designed by Leonid Pilipović and incorporated a brief comic strip.

After this release, Čavajda departed to concentrate on his project Babe, with Vlada Funtek stepping in as his replacement.

Personnel Shifts and Revival Releases (1995–2003)

In 1995, Električni Orgazam marked their fifteenth year with a celebration in Belgrade and performed at London's The Bottom Line; footage from this event was utilized in a promotional video directed by Marina Vulić. On April 17, 1996, they presented an unplugged show at Novi Sad's Studio M featuring new drummer Miloš Velimir "Buca" alongside guests such as Margita Stefanović. The setlist included a rendition of Korni Grupa’s "Magična ruka".

Gojković also collaborated with Vlada Divljan's Old Stars Band, contributing to their live album Odbrana i zaštita and appearing on Sve laži sveta released in 2000. Through his label Yellow Dog Records, he reissued Električni Orgazam’s back catalog on CD formats enriched with bonus tracks including unreleased material and live performances.

On July 10, 1998, the ensemble composed of Gojković, Petrović, bassist Zdenko Kolar, and drummer Ivan Ranković "Raka" participated in a concert featuring prominent former Yugoslav bands. Their 1999 return album A um bum showcased guest appearances by Kornelije Kovač, Branko Marušić "Čutura", Bata Kostić, Slobodan Misailović, Ranković, and Todorović. Gojković was responsible for the album’s dramatic cover art. Musically, it embraced a Dylanesque acoustic rock approach with Petrović taking lead vocals on several songs.

During a May 2000 performance in Zagreb, the show was abruptly halted when Gojković was detained for heroin possession; he was released after one night amid considerable media coverage.

The compilation Najbolje pesme vol. 2 1992-1999 showcased highlights from their work throughout the 1990s. Their next album Harmonajzer, produced jointly by Dušan Kojić "Koja", Gojković, and Petrović, introduced new drummer Blagoje Nedeljković "Pače" and featured guest musicians including Vlada Divljan (wah guitar), Zoran Erkan (trumpet), Nemanja Kojić "Kojot" (trombone), Dušan Petrović (saxophone), Kolar, and Boris Bunjac providing backing vocals. Ljuba Đukić took lead vocals on "Zato stojim sam", while Petrović sang on "Promene" and "Tome neće doći kraj". Instrumental pieces "Đankarlo Gingva ponovo jaše" and "PECTOPAH 3 OPA" were co-composed by Radomirović and Kojić.

Reunion with Đukić (2004–present)

Ljuba Đukić officially rejoined Električni Orgazam in September 2004. Two years later, in 2006, the band issued the compilation Breskve u teškom sirupu vol. 1, which included rehearsal sessions from 1980 alongside a performance at Tašmajdan Stadium. Following this release, they embarked on a brief nine-show tour revisiting their new wave era with updated arrangements, culminating in a concert at Belgrade's Dom Omladine featuring original member Ljubomir Jovanović "Jovec". This performance was captured and released as the live album ElOrgNewWave in 2007. That same year, Električni Orgazam opened for the Rolling Stones during their Belgrade concert and completed their inaugural tour across the United States.

On 28 September 2008, the group took part in the 30th anniversary celebration of new wave music in Yugoslavia held in Zagreb, performing alongside other prominent Yugoslav new wave artists. Selected tracks from this event were later compiled on the live album Sedmorica veličanstvenih – 30 godina kasnije. December 2009 saw Croatia records release The Ultimate Collection, a comprehensive double compilation encompassing all studio albums, curated by Miloš Ivanović "Kepa" from B92. The band marked their 30th anniversary on 11 January 2010 with a special concert at Belgrade’s Akademija club, debuting the single "Nemaš nikome ništa da daš" which was also streamed live online.

Following an eight-year gap without new studio material, Električni Orgazam released To što vidiš to i jeste in September 2010 through Belgrade Dom Omladine, initially distributed by Telekom Srbija. Produced by Vojislav Aralica, the album featured seven tracks and guest guitarist Dragomir Mihajlović "Gagi". Within its first month, it sold 50,000 copies. The lead single dominated the Jelen Top Ten chart for two consecutive weeks. Subsequently, Croatian label Dallas Records issued an expanded edition adding three additional songs and supported a tour across Slovenia and Croatia. In year-end polls by Popboks readers and critics, the album secured seventh and ninth places respectively, while the band received the Oskar popularnosti award for Best Serbian Rock Act.

In May 2010, a deluxe version was released including new compositions, live recordings, cover songs, and music videos. In 2013, they issued a double live album titled Warszawa '81/Warszawa '13 exclusively for the Polish audience.

To celebrate their 35th anniversary in November 2015, Električni Orgazam released the single "Bio sam loš" and announced their forthcoming album Gde smo sad?. The milestone was marked with a tour throughout Serbia starting at Belgrade Youth Center. On April 22, 2016, they performed at the reopening of Tašmajdan Stadium alongside leading Serbian rock bands. At the end of that year, they issued a limited vinyl live album called Puštaj muziku! featuring recordings from their anniversary concert and commemorated three decades since Distorzija with concerts across Serbia.

In June 2018, their twelfth studio album Gde smo sad? was launched through Mascom. It was preceded by singles including "Bio sam loš", "Kamerom snimam sve", "Istok, zapad, sever, jug", "Bila si kao san", and "Duga, topla noć"—the latter described by frontman Gojković as their first authentic blues composition.

Legacy

The publication YU 100: najbolji albumi jugoslovenske rok i pop muzike features two albums by Električni Orgazam: Distorzija placed at number 24, and Kako bubanj kaže positioned at number 73, while the compilation Paket aranžman holds the second spot. In 1987, Braćo i sestre was recognized among the top 12 live Yugoslav albums in the YU legende uživo list published by Rock magazine.

Within the Rock Express Top 100 Yugoslav Rock Songs of All Times, two songs by Električni Orgazam appear: "Igra rock 'n' roll cela Jugoslavija" at rank 9 and "Nebo" at rank 42. The B92 Top 100 Domestic Songs chart includes "Nebo" at number 26 and "Krokodili dolaze" at number 72. Additionally, in 2011, listeners of Radio 202 selected "Igra rock 'n' roll cela Jugoslavija" as one of the top 60 tracks released by PGP-RTB/PGP-RTS.

Ten compositions by the band are featured in Petar Janjatović's anthology Pesme bratstva, detinjstva & potomstva: Antologija ex YU rok poezije 1967 - 2007, highlighting their significant contribution to ex-Yugoslav rock poetry.

Members

Current lineup

Srđan Gojković "Gile" – guitar, lead vocals, backing vocals, production (1980–1989, 1991–present)
Branislav Petrović "Banana" – lead guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals, organ, piano, violin, xylophone (1985–1989, 1991–present)
Zoran Radomirović "Švaba" – bass guitar, backing vocals (1986–1989, 1991–present)
Blagoje Nedeljković "Pače" – drums (2002–present)
Ljubomir Đukić "Ljuba" – keyboards, backing vocals, lead vocals (1980–1984, 2004–present)

Past members

Goran Sinadinović – guitar (1980)
Goran Čavajda "Čavke" – drums, backing vocals (1980–1989, 1991–1994)
Ljubomir Jovanović "Jovec" – guitar (1980–1984)
Marina Vulić – bass guitar (1980–1981)
Jovan Jovanović "Grof" – bass guitar, production (1981–1986)
Ivan Pajević – guitar (1984)
Nikola Čuturilo "Čutura" – (1984)
Dejan Radisavljević "Role" – guitar (1994)
Zoran Zagorčić – organ, piano (1994)
Srđan Todorović "Žika" – drums (1994)
Vlada Funtek – drums (1994–1996)
Miloš Velimir "Buca" – drums (1996–2002)
Zdenko Kolar – bass guitar (1998)
Ivan Ranković "Raka" – drums (1998)

Discography

Bibliography

EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960–2006, authored by Janjatović Petar;
Moj život je novi val, written by Kostelnik Branko, 2004;

External links