Far from Moscow

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.

From Kubinka to Omsk: Silver Boy, Chikiss, Milky Toad, and RusZUD

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:31:04 PST

Two labels - from Moscow and Omsk - announce a handful of new releases this week. They all concern some vague, enduring lacuna in modern society and whether Russia's endless expanse offers an alternative.

Gazing Further into the Distance: SLP, Madfriend, and PRKHRV

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:46:26 PST

A number of producers from suburban Moscow and Krasnodar strive to bridge the gap between daydreams and actuality. As everyday experience refuses to play along, the scale of romantic wistfulness only grows...

Oceanic Motifs: Mandarinaduck, Powder! Go Away and Mari! Mari!

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:56:42 PST

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.

New Voices: Sasha Magerova, Nani Eva, Kate Nova, and Laura Plenkina

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:57:42 PST

Four young jazz/R&B artistes, based in Moscow, consider both their biography and chosen styles. In a realm where hard work and hope often guarantee little, this music is seen in terms of precious consolation.

Three Constructive Principles: Pavel Ambiont, Sfourds, and Gran+

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:11:19 PST

Three Belarusian friends and colleagues have new releases on display. Their enthusiasm for techno or a related strictness emerges against the backdrop of some awful unpredictability in local history.

In Praise of a Healthy Elitism: Koloah, 813, Malefique, and Depto-3

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:20:02 PST

Four new recordings from bass and hip-hop producers touch upon the issue of standards. Worried by the growing popularity - and falling quality - of much bass music, these artists ponder a need for new values or virtues.