Kontraritam
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia |
| Founder | Jan Pavlov, Dimitrije "Mita" Radulović, Žolt Horvat, Robert "Robi" Radić |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Novi Sad , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Music albums |
Kontraritam (; translated as Counterrhythm) was a Yugoslav band from the new wave and ska genres, originating in Novi Sad in 1980. Although their career was short-lived and limited to a single album, their 1982 eponymous release established them as a significant presence within the Yugoslav new wave movement.
1980–1983
The band came together in the fall of 1980, founded by Jan Pavlov (vocals, keyboards), Dimitrije "Mita" Radulović (vocals, bass), Žolt Horvat (guitar), and Robert "Robi" Radić (drums), all previously members of the punk group Gomila G. Shortly thereafter, they expanded their lineup by adding guitarist Sreten "Sreta" Kovačević, who had departed from Pekinška Patka following their 1980 debut album Plitka poezija. Kovačević also contributed on saxophone. Early gigs included a performance at the Youth Festival in Subotica, where they received favorable responses from both audiences and critics.
In December 1980, Kontraritam took part in the Grok Festival held at the Novi Sad Fair. They subsequently served as opening acts for well-known bands such as Haustor, Prljavo Kazalište, and Idoli. During spring 1981, the band recorded multiple tracks at Radio Novi Sad with producer Aleksandar Pražić. Following Radulović’s conscription after the Hipodrom '81 festival in Belgrade, Boris "Bora" Oslovčan stepped in as bassist.
Originally contracted to Belgrade's Beograd Disk, delays prompted them to sign with Zagreb-based Jugoton. Their debut album Kontraritam was produced at Meta Sound studio in Novi Sad, featuring bass performances by both Radulović and Oslovčan. The album’s cover was created by musician and artist Goran Vejvoda. From this release, the single "Sretne noge" ("Happy Legs") climbed to number three on Studio B's Diskomer top ten chart, while "Žožo, vrati se" ("Žoža, Come Back") was included on the influential 1982 compilation Vrući dani i vrele noći (Hot Days and Hot Nights).
Despite personnel changes brought on by compulsory military service, Kontraritam continued to perform regularly and maintain media visibility. A notable concert took place in September 1981 at Belgrade’s Dadov Theatre, where they shared the stage with Obojeni Program and Grad. In early 1982, Ivan Fece "Firchie" from Luna joined as a guitarist. The final roster—comprising Kovačević, Pavlov, Radulović, and drummer Predrag "Buca" Janičić (formerly of Fotomodel)—remained active locally until spring 1983 when Kovačević’s enlistment led to the group’s disbandment.
Post-breakup
Following the band's dissolution, Horvat moved to Germany, Pavlov emigrated to Canada, and Oslovčan relocated to Russia, where he pursued a career as a chef in Moscow. Radić became involved with bands such as La Strada and Love Hunters, ultimately joining Veliki Prezir. Between 2010 and 2012, he temporarily replaced Pekinška Patka’s original drummer Laslo Pihler during their reunion due to Pihler’s health issues. Radulović found employment at Elektrovojvodina electric utility, while Kovačević established his own enterprise named Audiokonstruktor. In 2008, both Kovačević and Oslovčan reunited with Pekinška Patka for a performance at the Exit festival.
The track "Sretne noge" was featured on the 1994 compilation Niko kao ja: Jugoslovenski novi talas (No One like Me: Yugoslav New Wave). It resurfaced in 2021 within Croatia Records' six-disc box set titled Novi Talas / Val (New Wave). In 2023, "Slobodna devojka" ("Free Girl") appeared on the seven-disc collection 60 godina Festivala Omladina (60 Years of Youth Festival), followed by "Drugačija" ("Different One") being included in Novosadska rok kultura – Novi talas 1981-82. issued by Novi Sad Students' Cultural Center in 2024. These three songs remain the only Kontraritam recordings officially released on CD format, as their self-titled album has never been reissued on compact disc.
Studio albums
- Kontraritam (1982)