Three instrumental ensembles from Moscow and St. Petersburg ponder the benefits of avoiding language. A balancing act ensues between (potentially) wide appeal and the pressing need to advertise one's existence.
A handful of new EPs and mini-albums this week show the importance of persistence over inspiration. That same validation of endurance then gets romanticized, turning difficulty into a badge of honor.
Four releases from several Russian and Ukrainian towns this week consider the role of public, "useful" song. At a time when civic anthems might make sense, these artists are too busy coping with daily challenges.
These ensembles from Vladivostok, Lukhovitsy (Moscow), and Zaporozh'e (Ukraine) are bound by their chosen, rather bleak imagery. Tales of a stormy ocean and outer space predominate; both have their lonely residents, too.
A small Russian music blog - DKHC - has gathered a collection of post-rock outfits from around the country. Claiming to be based in Siberia, the blog aims for a similarly grand sweep in its tracklist.
Three bands from Belarus and Ukraine offer new recordings in a range of unrelated styles from acoustic pop to post- and drone-rock. Across them all, however, lies a shared celebration of simplicity in a complex world.
Four projects from Moscow, Novosibirsk, and Tartu use a lofty register when speaking of their work. All manner of cosmic metaphors are employed, simply in order to capture the precious experience of songwriting.
Recordings from both Moscow and Omsk, Siberia, use some extreme forms of improvisation to counter the oppressive nature of local experience. The result is referred to by one band as "jazz nightmares."
The issue of destiny emerges clearly in some new releases from Russia and Belarus. Over four separate publications, we see the role of "fate" increase. It is first countered with volume - and then met with grim resignation.
These three bands are from Riga, Ryazan, and Samara. They span a wide range of styles, from shoegaze to garage traditions. What they all share, however, are concerns about the irreversible passage of time.
