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  The disambiguation page for the primary name is ALI (disambiguation). Robert McClenon (talk) 03:52, 26 March 2025 (UTC)

ALI is a Bulgarian rock band formed in 2015 under the name The Tough Cookies. The group was founded by musician Ali Abdala, who was joined by Antoni Ivanov and Petar Schwartz (guitars), Orlin Stanchev (drums), Emil Dokov (vocals), and Bobi Ganchev (keyboards). Initially performing at private events and clubs, the band underwent a lineup change in 2019 with the addition of Kaloyan Dimitrov and subsequently adopted the name ALI.

In 2020, ALI released their first two singles, "I Come From The Future" and "Better Place", along with a music video. These songs appeared on Bulgarian radio charts, including the Reynaers Top 30 on Z Rock and the Bulgarian National Radio Top 20. French station Stone Rock Radio also featured the band’s music. In 2021, ALI recorded two additional singles and performed at the Rebel Rebel Festival, making return appearances in 2022 and 2024.

• Ali Abdala – Vocals, Guitar
• Emil Dokov – Backing Vocals
• Kaloyan Dimitrov – Bass Guitar
• Petar Schwartz – Guitar
• Antoni Ivanov – Guitar

• Orlin Stanchev – Drums

ALI's music incorporates elements of alternative and indie rock, with a sound characterized by dynamic instrumentation and introspective lyrics. The band’s singles have been featured on national rock charts^[1], and their debut album, INTROVERSE, was released in November 2024. ^[2]

The album blends post-rock, progressive rock, and experimental influences. Some critics highlight its mix of acoustic and grand, amplified sections, as well as its thematic exploration of emotions and ideas. The band's sound has varied influences, remainging distinctly their own.

"ALI's debut is like the barely perceptible dawn on the album cover—subtle, yet irresistibly magnetic and full of promise for something big. These songs are not just listened to; they are experienced—each note and word sinks deep, leading the listener into a labyrinth of emotions and ideas. Perfectly balanced between the intellectual and the emotional, INTROVERSE does not provide ready-made answers but invites participation—to think, to feel, to dream."

— Elena Rozberg, Z-Rock^[3]

"ALI’s debut holds quite a few surprises and immediately grabs your attention! Post-rock, prog-rock, glam rock, experimental rock? The moment you listen to the entire INTROVERSE, it becomes clear that trying to categorize ALI is completely pointless. Sometimes acoustically gentle, other times grand and loud, ALI sound diverse and vibrant. And if we had to put a label on their sound, 'cosmic' would fit best."

— Andrey Vladov, BBC^[4]

"An experimental album, yet meticulously crafted—each song is unpredictable and innovative; it elegantly nods to rock’s greatest names while remaining fresh and proudly bearing the band’s signature. Rock ‘n’ roll in its purest form—a breath of fresh air that the scene needed."

— Orlin Nikolov, Rock The Night^[5]

ALI has gained popularity not only in Bulgaria but also internationally, with their songs being played on French, Swiss, and Belgian radio stations. The band is part of Projector Plus, a platform uniting leading independent music projects in Bulgaria.

Ali Abdala, the band's founder, was previously the vocalist for the indie rock band Macrophone and has been involved in Bulgaria’s alternative music scene.

• Kaloyan Dimitrov, the band’s bassist, has an extensive background in audio production, contributing to various television, music, and film projects.

INTROVERSE (2024)^[6]

• Dnevnik BG^[1]
• GoGuide^[2]
• VIJ Magazine^[3]