Tangra (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 in Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Founder | Borislav Panov |
| Headquarters | Sofia , Bulgaria |
| Products | Music albums |
Tangra (Bulgarian: Тангра) is a rock ensemble originating from Bulgaria, established in 1976 in Sofia. It stands as one of the most enduring and acclaimed Bulgarian rock groups from the 1980s through the 1990s and continues to maintain relevance today.
History
The formation of the band was initiated by Borislav Panov (keyboard), previously associated with Shturcite, who chose the name "TANGRA" for the group. The original lineup included Konstantin Markov on bass, Alexander Petrunov as vocalist, Vasil Naydenov handling piano, and Marcel Baruch on drums. Early in their career, they served as supporting musicians for prominent pop artists such as Yordanka Hristova and Bogdana Karadocheva. Their debut album appeared in 1978, featuring tracks like "Ако имаш време" (If You Have Time) and "Пътища" (Roads). By 1979, Cvetan Vladovski joined as lead singer, Anton Bubev took over drumming duties from Baruch, and Emil Gerasimov became the drummer in 1981.
The release of the 1982 album Nashiat Grad elevated them to nationwide fame with popular songs including "Nashiat Grad," "Bogatstvo," and "Liubovta bez koyato ne mojem." This period's lineup consisted of Vladovski (vocals, flute), Borislav Tzonev (lead guitar, vocals), Gerasimov (drums), and Markov (bass). In 1983, both Vladovski and Tzonev departed, leading to a reformation in 1984 that incorporated keyboardist Yordan "Dani" Ganchev. This era saw a stylistic transition from melodic rock towards the then-trending new wave genre.
The decade of the 1980s represented Tangra's second major creative era. The third phase featured Ganchev on keyboards, Valeri Milovanski on guitar, and Stanislav Slanev as vocalist. After 1989, under the name Tangra 2, the band embarked on tours across Scandinavia and Europe; however, they did not replicate the widespread popularity of their original incarnation. The poetic contributions of Alexander Petrov were influential for both versions of Tangra.
Discography
- Нашият град ("Our Town") (1982)
- Тангра II ("Tangra II") (1986)
- Тангра - антология част 1 и 2 ("Tangra - Part 1 and 2") (2000)
Awards
- 1978 – First prize at Bulgaria’s Youth Pop Song Competition for "Ако имаш време" ("If You Have Time")
- 1979 – Winner of Bulgaria’s Youth Pop Song Competition with "Очакване" ("Expectation")
- 1985 – Secured first place at Bulgaria’s Youth Pop Song Competition for "Оловният войник" ("Tin Soldier")