(headline image: Gordan – Photo by Christoph Voy)
Blending folklore with fierce experimentation, Gordan is a transnational trio (Serbia/Germany/Austria) that reimagines Balkan traditions through a lens of avant-garde abstraction. Formed by Svetlana Spajić (vocals), Andi Stecher (drums), and Guido Möbius (bass, electronics), the group occupies a musical territory between minimalism and expressive intensity. Drawing from the mysticism of Balkan legends, their music challenges formal boundaries.
Their debut album, Down in the Meadow, released by Morphine Records in October 2021, garnered widespread acclaim for its raw immediacy and stark beauty. In 2024, the band returned with a more radical self-titled second album Gordan (Glitterbeat), further expanding their sonic vocabulary. This follow-up juxtaposes traditional vocal forms with controlled feedback, pulsing bass, electronica, and hypnotic percussion.
Each track on Gordan follows its own conceptual thread while contributing to a cohesive, instantly recognizable sound. The album opens with “Barabinska,” marked by a stoic rhythmic pulse and a celebration of bohemian life. It segues into the noise-driven abstraction of “Selo Moje,” featuring lyrics penned by Spajić. The traditional “Šara” unleashes unfiltered energy, while “The Bell Is Buzzing” offers a moment of levity. By contrast, “Krajiška Kontra” invokes a darker mood, referencing the historical region of the Military Frontier (Militärgrenze).
Musically, the trio functions as a dynamic ecosystem. Stecher’s drumming is stripped of ornamentation yet remains varied, concentrated, and technically precise, serving as the engine behind the group’s shifting soundscapes. Möbius complements this with bass guitar and custom-built electronic setups, incorporating feedback through amplifiers and microphones. These musical elements interact fluidly with Spajić’s voice, creating constantly morphing resonance and response.
A pivotal figure in Balkan music preservation, Svetlana Spajić is widely regarded for her deep knowledge and nuanced interpretation of hyperlocal vocal traditions. For over two decades, she has studied with village singers across the Balkans and has produced or contributed to around twenty albums dedicated to intangible cultural heritage. Beyond her own ensemble, the Svetlana Spajić Group, she has collaborated with artists across diverse disciplines, including Marina Abramović, Robert Wilson, Zeitkratzer, Antony and the Johnsons, and William Basinski, bridging traditional practice and contemporary performance.
Andi Stecher, born in Austria, operates at the intersection of experimental composition and world music traditions. His solo project STECHER explores beat-driven avant-pop and drill-inspired textures, while his collaborative work spans artists such as Billy Bultheel, Matana Roberts, and Orchestre Les Mangelepa. His style resists categorization, incorporating influences from across genres and geographies.
Guido Möbius, a Berlin-based musician and label head, has released six solo albums along with various other recordings on labels like dekorder, Karaoke Kalk, and Shitkatapult. His live performances are known for their high energy and stylistic fluidity, bridging techno, noise, polyrhythms, acid, gospel, and beyond. He also runs Autopilot Music Publishing, representing artists including Nicholas Bussmann and Black To Comm.
In sum, Gordan crafts a singular form of musical storytelling, rooted in Balkan heritage, yet propelled by innovation and risk. Their work opens up traditional forms to new contexts, revealing how history and experimentation can not only coexist, but intensify one another.
More Information:
- Svetlana Spajić: www.svetlanaspajic.com
- Andi Stecher: http://andistecher.org
- Guido Möbius: www.guidomoebius.com
Discography:
Down in the Meadow (Morphine Records, 2021)
Gordan (Glitterbeat, 2024)
Author: JGurski
