Walt is the seventh studio album by Croatian alternative rock band Pips, Chips & Videoclips, released in May 2013. It followed a six-year gap after the band's previous album, Pjesme za gladijatore (2007).
Background and Recording
The album was developed during a period of reduced studio activity. Frontman Dubravko Ivaniš described it as a conscious attempt to refocus the band on songwriting and rock instrumentation after years of stylistic experimentation. Guitarist Ivan Božanić assumed the role of producer, marking the first time a core band member led production on a Pips, Chips & Videoclips studio album. Recording and editing took place at Dan, Mrak Studio in Zagreb, with an emphasis on live performance, restrained overdubbing, and direct arrangements.
Composition and Content
Musically, Walt was described as a return to the band's earlier rock foundations, foregrounding distorted guitars and compact arrangements. Lyrically, the album juxtaposes intimate emotional states with ironic or critical reflections on contemporary Croatian society. The album's title references Walt Disney as a symbolic figure associated with illusion, hope, and cultural mythology.
The song "Trubač" is notable for featuring Jadranka "Yaya" Ivaniš (the frontman's wife) as the sole lead vocalist, after the band concluded during recording that the song functioned better with a single voice.
Release and Promotion
Walt was released on compact disc and vinyl in May 2013. Three singles were released between 2013 and 2014: "Htio bi da me voliš," "Bi li ili ne bi," and "Trubač." The band also presented stripped-down studio performances of selected tracks, later issued on DVD.
Critical Reception and Legacy
The album received broadly positive reviews. Music critic Aleksandar Dragaš described it as having no weak moments and identified it as the band's most compelling studio release of the 21st century. Retrospective assessments have frequently placed Walt among the band's strongest releases.
Accolades
At the 2014 Porin Awards (Croatia's major music awards), Walt won Best Rock Album and was also nominated for Album of the Year, as well as nominations for production, recording, music video, and album artwork.
Track Listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kratka povijest" | 4:31 |
| 2. | "Walt Disney" | 5:17 |
| 3. | "Trubač" (feat. Yaya) | 4:36 |
| 4. | "Sa mnom tebi je zima" | 4:37 |
| 5. | "Mogu ti reć" | 3:52 |
| 6. | "Bi li ili ne bi" | 3:45 |
| 7. | "Htio bi da me voliš" | 4:17 |
| 8. | "Dementor" | 4:44 |
| 9. | "Dok smo hodali po zemlji" | 4:36 |
| 10. | "Plivač" | 3:47 |
| Total length: | 44:27 |
Personnel
Pips, Chips & Videoclips:
- Dubravko Ivaniš – vocals, keyboards
- Ivan Božanić – guitar, production
- Marko Levanić – bass
- Tin Ostreš – drums, percussion
- Zdeslav Klarić – piano, Rhodes
- Krunoslav Tomašinec – guitar
Additional musicians: Jura Ferina (keyboards), Pavle Miholjević (guitar, bass), Jadranka Ivaniš/Yaya (vocals), Mario Bočić (baritone saxophone), Miron Hauser (trombone), Igor Pavlica (trumpet).
