Concrete Memories

One of the most lasting imprints which soviet occupation left on identities of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people is something we all usually perceive as ordinary or boring, insignificant almost. The concrete dys-utopia of the prefab housing, built by the communists in the 2nd half of the previous century was a place of coming-of-age for many. Endless blocks of flats, parched public places, the unfulfilled modernity’s idea of a community life, but also a vast playground for the youngest, whose imagination didn’t let them settle. Growing up in one of those imaginary worlds himself, Czech producer Vision of 1994 taps into the post-soviet collective memory on his ‘Concrete Memories’ album, released as a six-track vinyl and a full-length digital on Prague’s Harmless Youth label. He takes his childhood and teenage memories as a point of departure, but transforms his recollections into an universal sonic realm, where anyone, even one without similar origins, might feel that nostalgic rush. All tracks produced & mixed by K. Průcha, except B1 mixed by Roman Rai, B2 produced & mixed by Roman Rai, B3 produced & mixed by Oliver Torr. Photo by Sophie Knittel, Sketches by Ladislav Zensor. Cover by Kuba'93.