Far from Moscow

The Considerable Appeal of Reticence: T.Bird, Queue, and Sinexoid

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:19:55 PST

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.

Boyish Charm and Memories: Bruce, OffBeatKID, and Orange House

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:43:13 PST

Some lyrical publications from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Penza are full this week of boyish memories. All these performers hope to preserve pre-adult enthusiasm and naivety from subsequent disappointment.

Architecture and Morality: Moa Pillar, Sa, Raskureal, and Jwush

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:07:31 PST

Some fragile releases this week share a common interest in ailing forms of social enterprise. These sounds of breakdown and demise also hope, paradoxically, to prompt thoughts of civic improvement.

The Slow Sounds of Dignity: Matin, Kuj Skills, Htrspltn, and Nocow

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:05:55 PST

Four slow releases from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Ulan-Ude turn their decelerated tempo into a consideration of weighty issues. Slowness becomes a vehicle for some musings on destiny in particular.

Endurance: Kimberley, Human Tetris, High-Speed Kings, and Jakarta Project

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:01:56 PST

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.

Charitable Sounds: Tronx, Danoizz, Nik Snake F, and Sweet Love Beatz

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:26:30 PST

The St. Petersburg netlabel Subwise has announced four new releases from around Russia. Taken together, they are a snapshot of material difficulty - and suggest how collaborative enterprise might offer solutions.

A Sensation of Considerable Pressure: Siberia's Vovne Project

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:45:46 PST

"Vovne" is a wide-ranging musical collaborative, centered in the Siberian cities of Tomsk and Kemerovo. Across considerable distances, a shared philosophy comes slowly into view, born of late Soviet experimentation.

The Considerable Advantages of Minimalism: Music Kollektiv 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:42:58 PST

Music Kollektiv is a Moscow-based organization, often dedicated to minimal and deep/dub techno. We look at some of the St. Petersburg members in MK and their search for grand significance within spartan structures.

Hope on the High Seas: Marble Boy, Torba-na-Kruche, Nick Efremov, and Dya

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:44:30 PST

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.

Understatement: Feyorz, Treize, Thy Birds, ForeverLive, and Fantom Sea

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:26:00 PST

Some recent instrumental recordings have invested much energy in a certain form of modesty. By toying with irony and even anonymity, four introspective performers magnify the object of their attention.