A Moscow duo decides to cut itself off from the world, in order to protect two private voices from public intrusion. Other kindred groups view those same social forces in much darker terms.
Some musicians from Russia and Ukraine speak of how they have formed new ensembles. Easy-going collaborations become an appealing alternative to various social pressures.
Some recent, ambient instrumentals from Watu (Minsk) led to angry debates over the finer points of post-Soviet geography. Over time, however, the importance of a concrete address fades away, no matter its name.
As Moscow's InWhite produce a debut album, their reliance upon supportive crowdfunding is evident. A related degree of civic faith, however, is sometimes less manifest in the work of other artists.
The new film from Renata Litvinova and Zemfira involves much discussion of death as a tantalizing passage. For other artists, far from Moscow, physical distances take on an equally striking metaphysical air.
A couple of new rock recordings find lyrical inspiration in the traditions of Soviet science. Other related publications look back further into the past, either to more introspective or theological themes.
Two rock bands from Russia's Pacific coast speak of their location in terms of romantic, if not tragic isolation. Moving inland, other ensembles from the Volga region view "wilderness" in very different terms.
Four rock bands speak of hard, physical effort - and the damage it does to long-term optimism. The daily grind eats away at a number of fragile ideals. One Moscow collective, however, has a possible answer.
A new label has appeared in Vladivostok with the maximally simple name of "Te." The first publication is a sampler album that brings together six local bands, whilst simultaneously fostering a common outlook.
"A Model Kit" is the name of a one-man, neoclassical project from Moscow. Some of the creative difficulties faced by that composer extend to considerably noisier collectives. Professional challenges are widespread.
