Lavagance

Lavagance is a Slovak indie rock group, currently based in Bratislava, Slovakia. The members are:
Marek Rakovický - vocals, guitar, programming, keyboards
Vincent Susol – bass guitar, vocals
Viliam Bujnovský - keyboards, programming
Marek Gregor - drums, vocals, programming
Mario Smashing - guitar, vocals, keyboards
Peter Rakovický - keyboards, programming & sound engineering

Lavagance formed in 2004 in Bratislava, Slovakia, with experienced musicians from all over the country. Despite a lack of support from mainstream Slovak radio, the band toured across Slovakia, performing at several festivals and building up a fanbase. In 2006, three singles – «Miles», «Back to Attraction» and «My Best Friend’s Girl» – hit the airwaves of Radio FM. The video for «Miles», directed by Braňo Špaček, was in rotation for several weeks on MTV Europe.

In 2006, Lavagance released their first EP, Back to Attraction, which contained 6 songs and the video for the single «Miles». The EP was recorded at Lavagance’s studio and released by the label Pohoda. At the end of 2006, Lavagance finally gained recognition from the Slovak music industry, winning three Aurel Awards for Best Alternative Album, Best Video («Miles») and Best New Group.

Lavagance’s second studio album, Orthodox Experience, was released on 28 November 2007, with 11 tracks. Surprisingly, the band made the electronic version of the album available for free download from their website before the CD’s release date. Radio FM listeners voted Orthodox Experience the Best Slovak Album of 2007. In the spring of 2008, Lavagance toured in support of Orthodox Experience in 10 Slovak cities, with several musical guests (Frank Winter, The Swan Bride, Khoiba, Sunshine, SID).

Lavagance’s third CD, Divine Darkness, was released 1 April 2009, again with all songs performed in English. The Divine Darkness tour was with The Slots and Talkshow as guests.

In May 2009, Lavagance announced their collaboration with the British musician, composer and producer Eddie Stevens, best known for co-writing, arranging and touring with the UK groups Freakpower (with Fatboy Slim); Moloko (as of 2000); and Zero 7. The first result of their work was the single “Blood”, released on 9 September 2009. The full album I Like This Temper followed on 15 October 2009.

I Like This Temper was Lavagance’s fourth studio album, with five tracks plus the radio mix of “Blood”. The songs were chosen by Lavagance and completely redone with Eddie Stevens. The mixing was done by Stevens in his London studio. The experimental album was then mastered in Amsterdam, and like their previous albums, was made available for free download from their website.