Shuma

One of the primary differences between Western and Slavic rock traditions is the enduring relevance of folklore. Somewhat surprisingly, the conservation of that heritage is often used for very subversive purposes.

Leftfield instrumentals from St. Petersburg, Murmansk, and Minsk this week all cast a fond glance beyond their city limits. Various musicians, either directly or metaphorically, imagine the countryside as somewhere kinder and quieter.