Timpuri Noi is a Romanian alternative rock band.

History

Timpuri Noi was formed in 1980, and remained an underground act up until 1989 when a split album with the Contrast group was released (n.11 of the Formatii Rock series). This was mainly due to what was perceived as "subversive lyrical content" in the Ceauşescu era. Incidentally, the name derives from a cliché of the period: its literal meaning is "New Times" (in the sense of "New Age"), used to signify Marxist Socialism. The tongue-in-cheek reference is somehow associated with the Bucharest metro station of the same name (see: Timpuri Noi). The name is also the Romanian translation of Modern Times, the title for Charles Chaplin's classic 1936 film.

In the early nineties, up to around 1995, the band was arguably the top Romanian act. Around the time, they had the opportunity to be the opening act for rather prestigious (albeit musically different) foreign acts during concerts in Bucharest: Ian Gillan and Uriah Heep in 1992, Scorpions in 1993, Saxon, Paradise Lost and Jethro Tull in 1994, Iron Maiden and Kreator in 1995, Eros Ramazzotti, Joe Cocker and Rod Stewart later in the same year.

1994 also signified an important event in both Timpuri Noi's career and Romanian music in general: Timpuri Noi gives the very first unplugged performance in this country, recorded as an album in the same year (see below).

In 1997, the band was presented with one of the MCM French music television and Radio France Internationale "Decouvertes de Rock a l'Est" (Eastern European New Acts) Awards, performing in a special gala concert. (The previous year, Timpuri Noi had been interviewed for MTV Europe during the Golden Stag Festival in the Romanian city of Braşov.)

The band split in 2001, with members becoming involved in personal projects - Partizan for Artan, ZIDD (sometimes mentioned as "Zid" - Romanian for "wall") for Dan Iliescu. These projects were short-lived, since Timpuri noi re-united in 2005, releasing a new record called "Back in Business"."Timpuri Noi". muzica.metropotam.ro. Retrieved 10 May 2020 In 2009, Artan leaves the group, due to disagreements with Dan Iliescu."Am fost nevoit să plec din Timpuri Noi". cancan.ro. Retrieved 10 May 2020

As of 2020, the group is still active, playing live sporadically throughout the country. They released a new full-length called "Moldova Mon Amour"."Moldova Mon Amour". discogs.com. Retrieved 10 May 2020

Lineup

Band members Dan Iliescu – guitar and vocals Vlad Apotrosoaei – bass guitar, backing vocals Felix Sfura – drums and percussion, backing vocals

Other band members over the years

1984-2000, 2005-2009: Adrian Plesca (Artan) -lead vocals 1984-1990: Răzvan Moldovan -drums 1982: Sorin Petroianu – guitar 1982: Sorin Tirichiţă – bass guitar 1984 – 1985, 1990: Marian Ionescu – bass guitar 1984 – 1985, 1990: Luminita Mihaescu – keyboards, vocals 1986 – 1988, 1990: Radu Cartianu – bass guitar 1983, 1990 – 1991: Sorin (Croco) Badea – bass guitar 1991: Marian Mihăilescu – bass guitar 1991: Costel Joiţa – drums 1992 – 2001: Cătălin Neagu – drums 1992 – 1995: Marian Moldoveanu – guitar 1992 – 1998: Adrian Borțun – bass guitar 1998 – 2000: Cătălin Răsvan – bass guitar 2000 – 2001: Florin Barbu – bass guitar 2005 – 2010: Silviu Sanda – bass guitar 2005 – 2010: Andrei Barbulescu – drums 2007 – 2008: Victor Rivalet – keyboards, samplers, groove machine 2009 – 2010: Vladimir Sateanu (Vlady) – bass guitar Florin Tuliga – programming Aurel Parocescu – samplers and drum machines

In some concerts, the band would add two backing female singers to its lineup (whether vocalists or violinists): the official site mentions Denis Iliescu, Crina Godescu and Maria Radu as its main collaborators.

Discography Formații rock nr. 11 (Electrecord, 1989; split LP along with the band Contrast from Suceava), last 3 tracks (LP)The featured songs were: 'Albele furtuni' ('White Storms'), 'Seară de mister' ('Mystery Night'), and 'Am să rămân cu tine' ('I Will Stay With You'). Timpuri Noi (Cartianu SRL & Eurostar, 1992) (LP, MC) Unplugged în concert (Vivo, 1994) (CD, MC) De regiune superior (Vivo, 1995) (CD, MC) Basca abundenței (MediaPro Music, 1998) (CD, MC) Lucky Nights Unplugged (MediaPro Music, 2000) split, last 7 tracks (CD, MC) Back in Business (MediaPro Music, 2006) (CD, MC) Ediție specială – Live in Studio (self-produced/promo, 2010) (CD) Deschide-ți mintea! (MHO Marketing Highest Option, 2012) (CD) Moldova mon amour (Luna PR & Events, 2020) (CD)

Notes and references

External links Fan site