And well, out of eight re-recordings in 'Stay Gold,' at least two (this one and 'Scumbag') deal with the unforgotten totalitarian habits of Bulgaria's police force. Some may be surprised how topical the lyrics of these 15 to 20 year old songs are, but hardly anyone suffers from the illusion that this country has changed much since. What is bloody evident from 'Stay Gold,' however, is that while Bulgaria may have regressed to something much more reminiscent of its pre-1989 self, Last Hope have evolved an awful lot.

 

With the experience of 20 years behind its back, this Sofia-based hardcore institution has done the same which many other bands have done at a similar point of their careers – Last Hope have turned to their beginnings and awarded some of their earliest songs with proper recordings. The result is a happy marriage between primal aggression and energy on one side, and a much better sound on the other. And this no display of studio wizardry either. The nine songs (eight re-recordings, plus the brand new eponymous one) sound like they've been performed at one breath. But what comes out of your speakers at the end, now finally has the power with which the same songs can crush you live.

 

Take 'Away,' for example. It is a song from Last Hope's first demo, released in 1995, and the opening track of this CD. The song is so simple it's funny – which exactly is its charm. But Italian producer Alessandro Azzali, with whom Last Hope have worked on quite a few recordings now, has helped it sound like something which would seem at home on Sick of It All's 'Non Stop.' And it does seem logical for songs from the band's demos and debut album to benefit the most from re-recordings. But 'In Your Face' from 2003's 'My Own Way' – an album which has always sounded at least okay – is also one that shines in its new form. The absence of Jimmy G, who is a guest on the original, and the completely different way Chikata sings in this day and age make for a version that is completely different to stand on its own feet.

 

And yes, those who are supposed to serve and protect are still all gone. But 'Stay Gold' is a nice reminder that the classic songs of one of Bulgaria's finest bands will always be around. And no, you're absolutely not alone!

 

 

* Which stands for 'Fuck Police,' mind you.