Balamuc – Tarkabarka (Self-released, 2023)
Balamuc, a London-based Eastern European musical group, released their album Tarkabarka on June 2, 2023. The album features a celebration of Romani (Gypsy) songs, dialects, and dances, with influences from Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania. The group’s multicultural heritage adds a global touch to their traditional musicianship. Alongside uplifting folk and dance songs, ‘Tarkabarka’ includes a new direction, featuring the popular 1930s song ‘Gloomy Sunday.’
Band leader Agnes Branner explores Romani dialects, and the album expresses emotions that resonate with people worldwide. For example, on ‘Jarba and Rumama’, Agnes Branner sings in the ancient Romani dialect known as ‘beás’ (boyash). The Beás are a Romani ethnic group living mostly in Romania and Hungary and across many Balkan countries, whose ancestors were forced to work in the Transylvanian mines of the Apuseni Mountains.
‘Jarba’ is about the travelling life of the gypsy, while ‘Rumana’ is a party celebration. As Agnes says in her own words, “Romani songs express emotions that anyone can understand, regardless of language. This was especially so in 2020 but in 2023, people for many reasons around the world can relate to feelings of missing loved ones and missing homes. The song selection is inspired by the celebration of life and love. They are often played at weddings and parties.”
In addition to the vocal tracks, the album also presents three instrumental folk songs. ‘Rachenitsa’ and ‘Sofiysky’ from Bulgaria and ‘Drumul Dracului’, a traditional folk dance from the heart of Moldavia, Romania. ‘Drumul Dracului’ is performed in a very traditional Hungarian style from this region with an additional bit of Balamuc whipped-up frenzy which works perfectly.
Balamuc’s unique sound intertwines diverse elements, and they take inspiration from various films for some tracks. The name ‘Balamuc’ translates to ‘The House of Insane’ and is derived from a Romanian song.
Musicians: Agnes Branner (Hungary): lead singer, violin, accordion, handclaps; Alison Gleasure (Ireland), cello, singing; Jonathan Clayton (UK): double bass, synthesizer, organ, tambourine, handclaps, singing; Luke Tremlett (New Zealand): guitar, handclaps, singing; Marie Faucher (France): clarinet, singing; Paul Brett (UK): drums, tambourine, jaw harp, shekere, handclaps, singing; and Semra Bulut (Turkey): darbuka, daf, backing vocals, tambourine, handclaps.
Buy Tarkabarka.
Author: Douglas Sanders
