Dezerter | POL
ABOUT
The 1980s marked a pivotal turning point in the history of the Polish underground, an era when the most significant bands of the movement were forged. Beyond the windows lay a grey, bleak, communist reality; on television and at mainstream festivals, the public was fed a diet of variety stars or, at best, safe acts sanctioned under the “Music of the Young Generation” banner. Yet, parallel to the official circuit, a thriving subterranean scene emerged, fuelled by punk, new wave, and reggae. It was during this time that bands like Brygada Kryzys, TZN Xenna, Deuter, and Izrael attained cult status.
Among these fundamental groups, Dezerter stands as an absolute cornerstone. Appearing at the Jarocin Festival in 1982 under their original name, SS-20, they soon rebranded to become the definitive voice of a generation. Their 1980s discography—the albums Kolaboracja and Kolaboracja II, along with the legendary Underground Out of Poland (released in the US with the support of D.O.A.)—stunned listeners with an aggressive, razor-sharp sound and fierce, socially conscious lyrics that spoke directly to the struggles of life in Poland. Tracks such as “Spytaj milicjanta” (Ask the Policeman), “Polska złota młodzież” (Polish Golden Youth), and “Ku przyszłości” (Towards the Future) instantly became anthems for the punk movement.
The 1990s brought further acclaimed records, including Blasfemia and Ile procent duszy?, as Dezerter solidified their legendary standing within the new, democratic reality. In 2019, the group released three new tracks on the EP Nienawiść 100%, immediately causing a stir across the national music market. Their performance at Different Sounds promises to be an intriguing journey through one of the richest discographies in Polish rock history.
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