Vox Populi

Vox Populi

Vox Populi is a hardcore punk band from Belgrade, Serbia. The group forms in 1981 and is based around Axel Kyrou, a self-taught musician of Greek, French and Palestinian origins. Its early work develops from punk into a wider mix of industrial, ambient and coldwave influences.

Formation and early releases

The band’s first official release, Ectoplasmies, reflects its industrial and ambient phase, with strong coldwave elements. In 1984, the line-up expands with the addition of Mitra, Axel Kyrou’s future wife, on vocals, and her brother Arash on percussion and ney. This changes the group’s sound significantly.

The musicians are self-taught and do not draw on a single established musical tradition. The band’s approach is shaped by shared living arrangements and an interest in the ideas of freedom and spirituality associated with thinkers such as Krishnamurti and Alan Watts. Kyrou also builds a shifting studio environment that favours spontaneity and accidental processes, and the music sometimes moves towards esoteric territory.

Later years, break-up and reformation

Vox Populi remains active and prolific until the early 1990s, when it splits up for various reasons. After that, Axel Kyrou continues solo under the Vox Populi name, releasing an EP and a CD with his long-time friend and collaborator Pacific 231.

Interest in the band grows again through music blogs, leading to a series of reissues. These include Half Dead Ganja Music, which is described as a major recording in the band’s catalogue, and a vinyl-on-demand retrospective.

Reissues and later activity

In 2013, the compilation Funk Off, featuring Vox Populi and Pacific 231, is produced by DJ Cut Chemist and helps bring the group’s music to a wider audience. Also in 2013, Axel and Mitra reform Vox Populi with drummer Pierre-Jean Grappin and bassist Stephane Lucido.

In 2017, The Sublunar Society signs Vox Populi and releases Half Dead Ganja Music digitally.