Far from Moscow

Catharsis: Vet, I Dance Alone, Cosmonautics Day, and Krypton's Sons

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:07:38 PDT

Faced with a wide range of social obstacles, some Russian and Belarusian rock bands find strange solace. Unable to build a career with ease, they are nonetheless to restart failed projects.

Hush: Irena Kotvitskaya, Misha Mishenko, Dasha Shults, and Do-Re-Mi

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:25:24 PDT

Four projects from three cities (Minsk, Moscow, and St. Petersburg) have new material to offer. In each case, a quiet register is the result of considerable humility before the past and/or inspiration itself.

Actuality as a Whirlpool: IJO, Chikiss, milktune, and Cao Sao Vang

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:13:44 PDT

For some electroacoustic artists this week, the role of material experience is twofold. It is seen both as lumpen tedium and as the world of leaden instruments - playing a better tune.

Ephemeral Zeal: Marsbeing, Igor Zaharov, Zetandel, and 2WeeksonYacht

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:25:01 PDT

A number of house and chillout projects from Russia and Ukraine this week address the issue of hard work. In an unpredictable environment, what makes more sense: diligence or spontaneity?

Epic Sentiments: Xuman, Saint Vitus Dance, Wham Bam, and DOK

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:57:50 PDT

Beginning with some references to a Sicilian martyr, these four Russian and Ukrainian bands search for an emotional alternative to tedium. As actuality grows duller, an "epic" option is required.

Hidden from View: Anna Pingina, Maygley, 2muchachos, and Silver Sepp

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:24:33 PDT

The importance of folkloric narratives and a premodern ethos endure for some Russian and Estonian performers. In each case, the allure of yesterday is imagined as some vaguely perceived source of light.

Risky Rewards: Ishome, Illuminated Faces, King Imagine, and ALL BLX

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:08:18 PDT

Given the challenges facing young Russian musicians today, the theme of risk often arises. The unknown - be it financial or geographic - both unnerves and intrigues.

Kindness and Unity: Eight Colleagues of the Warm On Family

Mon, 13 May 2013 20:46:22 PDT

Warm On is a hip-hop community on Moscow's northern edge. The group's members and colleagues operate in a wide number of Russian or Ukrainian cities. They all share a common philosophy.

Lyricism under Constant Siege: Glaswen, RSAC, Sonic Death, and Illinoiz

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:14:41 PDT

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.

Fleeting Pleasures: Lemonday, 7he Myriads, Inchange, and Lumeny

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:40:25 PDT

The theme of transience appears in some new recordings from St. Petersburg, Moscow, Vladimir, and Yekaterinburg. Somewhat strangely, a fleeting existence becomes synonymous with great beauty and potential.