In today’s chaotic world, one that is, in Hamlet-esque fashion, "out of joint", many perceive ominous signs of the times that herald its end. In the visual accompaniment to their new track *Apokalipsa* (Apocalypse), the band Društvo mrtvih pesnikov (Dead Poets Society) adds a consumerist dimension to this picture, highlighting the relentless accumulation of goods that burdens the environment and leaves us drowning in waste and plastic.
Following the singles *X sonca* and *Vojno se igrava* (released two years ago), *Apokalipsa* heralds the band's long-awaited new album, due out in 2027, and, in the group's signature style (with lyrics penned by frontman Alan Vitezič), sketches a portrait of the times we live in. It seems as though everything is being turned upside down and values are undergoing radical change; while as individuals we may try to swim against the current, as a society we are nonetheless hurtling unstoppably toward the apocalypse. Although the song’s lyrics are fundamentally critical of society and seem to predict the end of the world as we know it, the music created by the "Poets" stands in stark contrast: it is rhythmic, positive, and bright, infused with a danceable disco vibe. Through this contrast, the band consciously establishes an ironic distance regarding their own position, acknowledging that, in the current climate, they, as musicians, possess neither the real power nor the broad consensus needed to actually solve societal problems. The song’s soundscape thus reflects their hope for a future that, as they express with a slightly bittersweet, not entirely convincing smile, will surely bring plenty of good things, whether in musical terms or precisely through the medium of music.
Društvo mrtvih pesnikov, foto Ian Vedernjak
In recent years, regarding production and publishing, DMP have relied primarily on their own experience and resources. They have recorded most of the material for their upcoming album at the Zajc home studio, and "Apokalipsa" is no exception. In a style reminiscent of Pink Floyd, the band’s guitarist and producer, Peter Dekleva, incorporated children's voices into the chorus (DMP thank the pupils of Spodnji Kašelj Elementary School for this collaboration); these voices infused the track with positive energy and added a touch of sophisticated irony.
A music video was also created for the occasion, through which Mrtvi pesniki draw attention to environmental issues and excessive consumerism. The band members, in addition to the aforementioned duo, these include keyboardist Boštjan Artiček, drummer Marko Zajc, and bassist Tomaž Koncilija, appear as mannequins in a shop window among other products, gradually becoming submerged in a flood of plastic packaging. The video’s creative execution is the work of the band, led by the song’s author, Alan Vitezič and demonstrates their recent holistic approach to their musical output and public image, encompassing everything from the initial concept and audio recording to the visual presentation of their songs. Filming a music video on a July night on Nazorjeva Street in Ljubljana, at the peak of a heatwave, was a true test of endurance; the temperature inside the shop window display exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, yet the scene also proved to be a major attraction for passing tourists.
DMP, a band that has been a fixture of the Slovenian music scene for over 35 years, performs live in both electric and acoustic formats, as well as in a special concert program featuring the Corcoras string quartet. Their concerts draw audiences of all generations; it is particularly inspiring to see young people and students singing along to their greatest hits, songs that were released before they were even born. There is also a growing number of loyal fans and followers who attend every single one of their concerts.
