Hailing from three towns in Slovenia, the four members of Body Says No meet in Ljubljana to rehearse and record. They just released their first three songs, with more in the works. I exchanged emails with vocalist/guitarist Enej Mavsar (also a member of electropunk band Karmakoma and guitar punk group Suzi soprano) about his new band and how it came to be.
Enej explains: “ With Jošt (bass player, mainly playing free improv music and in many bands like Olfamož, Malik, Zmajev) whom I met in high school, we talked about this thing years ago. We started to search for a drummer and after some time we met Blaž (Low Peak Charlie, Meduzalem). Martin joined as another guitar player two months ago (Tovariš Strmoglavjen is his artistic name and a band).”
Body Says No creates edgy, guitar based rock with slick production and big drums, featuring dark themes and existential concepts. In addition to Enej’s guitars and vocals, Body Says No includes Blaž Kocina on drums, Jošt Drašler on bass, and Martin Ukmar on guitar and keyboards, all working together to create a tight, aggressive and energetic sound.
The project was first discussed 10 years ago between high school friends, and when it finally came to fruition, the punk and grunge influences that they love are very much apparent. “Yes, it’s not surprising you hear ’90s,” Enej says. Some bands from that era and the end of the ’80s of course are very important to all of us.”[pullquote]”I just want to produce good sounding rock songs with great musicians. Yes, English will be the language for ‘Body Says No’. Globalization and all American/English music’s impact was so strong on me (and for sure all other members) throughout my life. ” Enej Mavsar of “Body Says No.”[/pullquote]
I asked Enej if the contrast with the more experimental Suzi soprano (which features Slovenian lyrics, while Body Says No’s music features English lyrics) is an effort to reach a wider audience: “I don’t care so much if it sounds mainstream or alternative,” he explains.” I just want to produce good sounding rock songs with great musicians. Yes, English will be the language for Body Says No. Globalization and all American/English music’s impact was so strong on me (and for sure all other members) throughout my life. I wanted to name the band with a more international name but didn’t manage. For now we are ‘Body Says No,’ which I like. It makes me laugh and cry. I am constantly thinking of all things we do in the English language, it’s really strange, but…”
Like many musicians, Enej downplays his skills, including his voice, which is perfect for the hard, driving sound. “Although I am a bad singer I really enjoy doing it. I write my own songs and sing, since I heard punk rock more than 20 years ago. My initial idea was that we would find a singer, but for now I’ll take this job.”
With such a promising start, one hopes for more soon. “We all have other bands – we try to meet, practice, work together as much as possible. We still have work to do: write new songs, establish and upgrade the sound, etc. But yes, we are thinking of recording a full length. We are eager to play live.” In the meantime, Enej’s other punk project, Suzi soprano, is hitting stages around Europe and their debut is available on Bandcamp. “Suzi soprano is going on full speed,” he says. “We hit Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Italy in February. We are working on new material.”
In addition, Enej’s groundbreaking synthpunk band has a new album in the works as well. “I have more or less an album ready (songs are there) for Karmakoma. After the New Year I will try to finish it, produce and release it.”
That’s a lot to look forward to from Slovenia, especially if you count Kontradikshn, another electropunk group that’s set to release a new album. 2019 should sound very sweet indeed.
The first three songs from Body Says No were recorded, mixed and mastered at Beartracks Studio in Kočevje, Slovenia, by Robi Bulešić.
finis
https://www.facebook.com/BodySaysNo/
https://bodysaysno.bandcamp.com/releases