EP REVIEW: Shkodra Elektronike – shndrit!

‘…a glorious celebration of Albanian culture that deserves to be warmly welcomed…’

Last month saw Albanian-Italian folk duo Shkodra Elektronike represent Albania on the Eurovision stage, with their cinematic folktronica number ‘Zjerm‘. A firm fan favourite, the track saw the band finish in a respectable 8th, even when faced with a voting system exploited by a certain other nation to gerrymander votes. The pair, composed of producer and songwriter Kolë Laca and vocalist Beatriçe Gjergji, had only a small collection of tracks in their discography upon entering the competition, although it was clearly a case of quality over quantity; the brilliantly playful ‘Vaj Si Kenka Ba Dynjaja‘ is a particular highlight, with its brass hook and danceable rhythms.

Following the conclusion of the contest, the duo would go on to release a full EP, entitled ‘shndrit!‘, featuring not only ‘Zjerm‘ and its ‘Clap Clap‘ remix, but three further tracks. Whilst other acts have gone on to offer simply more of the same (see Måneskin with ‘MAMMAMIA’ and Käärijä with ‘It’s Crazy! It’s Party!’), Shkodra Elektronike have produced a bold, invigorating, and inventive collection of tracks, bringing together ideas from Albanian folk music, dance, house, and ambient.

The opening number is the aforementioned ‘Zjerm’, and it is impossible to not understand why so many across the continent have fallen in love with this track. The perfect balancing of folk and electronic elements turns the track into a danceable yet brooding affair, with those strident bass booms sounding alike something you might anticipate from a Hans Zimmer score. Gjergji is a captivating and playful presence throughout, delivering the infectious melodies with a glorious intensity. Furthermore, she contrasts beautifully with the spoken word of Laca during the minimalist yet monstrous bridge segment.

Any concerns that Shkodra Elektronike would rest on their laurels are immediately dismissed with the follow-up ‘Askund’. What starts as a stirring folk number descends into a house-infused monolith of a number, with a swaggering, bouncing, bass-led groove that is decorated with the mystical, feathery tones of Gjergji. The ethereal nature is accented with moments of sharp brass from Roy Paci, alongside choral elements provided by the Albanian Iso-Polyphonic Choir.

‘E Lirë’ brings back those choral elements and puts them in the spotlight, atop of a swirling folk backdrop. The track suddenly, almost jarringly switches to a pulsing house number that surges forwards, before cleverly weaving the folk elements back in. The tonal shift around the 5:30 mark is truly magical, as haunting suggestions of vocals play out over thunderous, ritualistic percussion. It’s a majestic and enchanting experience from start to finish.

What Shkodra Elektronike have done is not only produce an exciting collection of tracks that refuse to be pigeonholed, but have opened the doors into the world of Albanian music and culture; you cannot help but want to peer a little closer into the nation. This is a glorious celebration of Albanian culture that deserves to be warmly welcomed, and the start of what could be an incredibly special career.

RATING: 79/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Fever Ray, Tautumeitas, Ladaniva,

Follow the duo on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify