Remont’s “Czerwona Krew (Red Blood)” – A Return from the Underground

Remont stands as one of the pioneering underground music groups to have emerged from Bydgoszcz, Poland, during the turbulent early 1980s. With their sound rooted in punk and ska, they became a vital part of the local countercultural landscape, offering a raw alternative to the mainstream. Their journey, however, was not without interruption.

In 1986, Remont’s progress was abruptly halted by the compulsory draft into the Polish People’s Army, which removed their guitarists and drummer from the scene. This act of state interference forced the band into an involuntary suspension that lasted an astonishing 37 years.

At the end of 2022, Remont finally resurfaced, returning from decades of silence with renewed energy and a slightly altered lineup. The present formation comprises Justyna Speier on vocals, Janusz Jabłoński on guitar, Jarosław Głowski on saxophone, Krzysztof Roehle on bass guitar, and Zbigniew Lodziński on drums. Though time has passed, the band’s essence remains the same. Their roots, firmly planted in punk, continue to provide both the group and its audience with unfiltered joy.

Among the latest material is Czerwona krew (Red Blood), a song that captures the contradictions of the modern world. It reflects on the paradox that, at times, life can appear almost unbearably beautiful, yet the idealised images presented by the media only serve to mask harsher realities. Through its lyrics and delivery, the track reaffirms Remont’s commitment to pairing sharp commentary with musical vitality.

Remont’s re-emergence not only revives a piece of Bydgoszcz’s underground heritage but also demonstrates the enduring power of punk as a medium of expression. Czerwona krew is both a reflection on beauty and illusion, and a testament to the band’s remarkable resilience.