Gothtober - Theodor Bastard : "▽"

Russian electronic wizards continue to blend world music into their mix of sounds. They have said they shifted into a darker direction as the world is darker. The opening track shows they still have a pop inclination in their choruses, but the collage of sounds all transfigure each other into something unique and oddly catchy. Where Dead Can Dance takes ancient sounds from the world and creates with them, these Russians are not tied to the past but delve into electronic heavilly on songs like "Nebo". There is a great deal of sonic weight to the layers of sound even in the face of ethereal ambiance.  

"Kaplya Rosi" has what feels like more organic folk instrumentation, which is given a slinky groove to work off. It reminds me a little of Björk. "Zveroboy" is more ambient, with her voice gliding into a fairyland before a trip-hop-like beat grounds it.  'Dusha" is more of a folk song that happens to walk on electronic legs. This trip-hop meets folk vibe continues on with a more ethereal tone on "Ditya".  Sometimes there are hints of pop music that weave through things to create a more acessible sound. 

"Sverkay" is the lead single andd first song that sparked my interest in what they are doing; it also carries a more rock intensity in its dynamics. There is a wonderful aching melancholy in the chorus, which is what  I want from my dark electronic music. "Vremya" finds a haunting folk ambiance moving through their electronic beats; this combination has been a winning formula for this band. This album is catchy and dynamic as well as full of complex sounds. I will gives this album a 10 as it was one great song after another. Drops November 13th on Season of Mist Records

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