Since its formation in 2020, the trans-Balkan trio Lelee—comprising Jelena Rusjan on vocals and bass, Damjan Manevski on vocals and guitar, and Leon Stoilković on drums—has solidified its reputation as a key voice in the broader regional indie scene. They’ve made a lasting impression with a fresh, harmonious, and playful sound that blends the legacy of Yugoslavian new wave from the ’80s, the indie and slacker rock vibes of the ’90s, and a distinctly Adriatic flair. With their vibrant, exciting indie guitar sound and the intertwining of male and female vocals, they’ve quickly etched their place in the consciousness of the regional alternative community.

Following the acclaimed debut album Čuka bije pumpa (Moonlee Records, Ill in the Head Records, 2021), which took them across the Balkans and beyond, Lelee is back with a new album, Mora malo u crveno (Moonlee Records, 2024), and a fresh dose of original music that radiates a contagious “feel-good” energy to uplift body and spirit. Their songs, brimming with enthusiasm and drive, are marked by a refined sense for memorable choruses and melodies that linger long after listening. With their spirited “joie de vivre,” uncalculated honesty, and collective enthusiasm, they stand as a stubborn contrast to the gloomy spirit of the times. And live, Lelee will sweep you beyond the limits of the possible, out of your comfort zone, and past the mental barriers you’ve drawn for yourself.

– Moonlee Records