Music can combine influences that on the surface might seem to have little in common. Such is the case with TANX, a Bratislava based electropop band, members of which have created an original mergence. On their new album, Safe Zone, retro synthpop ties with futuristic electro sounds, slower melancholic songs are all of sudden changed for powerful pieces full of energy or calm downtempo club music. On the album one can listen to female vocals that are way different from vocals that we are used to hear in electro/sytnhpop music. Overall temper of the album is dreamy, melancholic, and sometimes even mystical. The same applies to lyrics that go much further in exploring inner feelings like love, anger, uncertainty or fear of loss.

Consisting of Jan Hedera (keyboards and programming) and Nela Horvathova on vocals (with Peter Kovacik on bass – ex Atria and Vlado „Brcho“ Kanak on drums – ex Madam), the two primary members of TANX come from different musical backgrounds. However music they make provides inspiration and self-fulfillment for both of them. Jan is a composer and producer while Nela writes lyrics and contributes to her own vocal parts.

Jan started to compose music in 1998 when he formed TC Lemons. The band had quite a success and Jan was its member till 2003. Later he met a male vocalist Rene and together they formed TANX. Jan took in various styles and influences: “Music has always been an inseparable part of my life. Since my childhood music has had a big impact on me. Each song that I compose is unique and represents certain emotions. The arrival of synthesizers as well as the use of computers in music opened whole new possibilities for me as a composer. Years 80s and 90s influenced me the most, I believe these sounds will remain timeless.”

Nela used to sing in doom/death metal bands Dysanchely and Thalarion. She recorded several albums and played many gigs with them. After a several years break she decided to get back to singing. “I was at Dream Theater concert in Budapest when I realized while watching their brilliant show that I had to start singing again.” In summer 2008, she found an advertisement on the internet from TANX band searching for a new vocalist. “I thought their music was profound and beautiful though it was much different from the style I used to sing. I could imagine myself taking over vocal parts – I thought it would give their music completely different sound.” After the initial cooperation on “Fall for you” song, Nela became a fulltime member of TANX.

During the first year together, Jan and Nela recorded about 14 songs. “We were recording days and nights until we were satisfied with the result. Sometimes we had to rebuild the same song several times. But it was a great fun after all,” says Nela. All songs have been included in their debut album called Safe Zone. During the summer 2009, the band made a video to their song Can of Worms. The video has a character of a movie and contains military scenes performed by 4 non-actresses including the singer herself. The song is about an unexpected power and revengefulness that dwells in human beings, even in those innocent looking.

TANX is finding their audience through heartfelt, intensely personal music that can strike a chord with anyone who likes nice melodies, retro analog sounds and atmospheric vocals.