Intars Busulis and Abonementa Orkestris Release Sixth Studio Album "Deg mans ugunskurs"

Latvian singer Intars Busulis and his band Abonementa Orkestris have released a new studio album, "Deg mans ugunskurs" ("My Bonfire Burns"). A launch event and concert took place last week in Riga, in the "Trentini" design gallery on Strelnieku Street. Guests were the first to hear all ten songs on the record. It is the band's sixth studio album; the previous one came out in October 2023.

The launch and the musicians

Fifteen musicians performed on stage: Busulis with Abonementa Orkestris and four backing vocalists, the "Sinfonietta Riga" string quartet, wind players from the Latvian Radio Big Band, and the "GGChoir" choir led by Beate Keina Balode. In total, 19 musicians took part in the recordings, along with the choir.

The band's lineup includes keyboardist and composer Karlis Lacis, guitarist Kaspars Zemitis, bassist Edvins Ozols, saxophonist Maris Jekabsons and drummer Kaspars Grigalis. The backing vocalists are Vineta Lace, Karina Rasa, Alise Kante and Kristine Pastare.

About the album

The album is also available on vinyl. The music was composed by Busulis and Lacis, with lyrics by poets Marts Pujats, Karlis Verdins, Kate Elpo and Kristaps Upenieks. A song composed by Vineta Lace has words by Zinaida Lazda. The mix was done by sound engineer Gatis Zakis, mastering took place in France, and Reinis Sejans produced the record.

Busulis says live sound plays the central role on the album rather than computer tools, and stressed at the launch that no artificial intelligence was used.

Reviewer's assessment

A reviewer for NRA admits the songs do not always appeal to him, but praises the musicians' skill and Busulis's voice. In his view, the album has too many ballads. He names "Uguns", "Cerība" and "Vadātājs" among the highlights.

Concerts

The new songs will be performed in concerts in Cesis, Rezekne and Liepaja, with the final concert scheduled for 8 May at Xiaomi Arena in Riga.